Needle core biopsy guided with mammography: a study of cost-effectiveness.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the cost-effectiveness of needle core biopsy (NCB) in a breast cancer screening program.


METHODS
A computer model was used to compare two hypothetical groups of women: those who undergo annual mammographic screening and those observed without screening. All clinically significant outcomes for each group were included in the model, which reflected the state of a woman's health each year beginning at age 40 years and ending at age 85 years.


RESULTS
The marginal cost per year of life saved by screening was reduced a maximum of 23% (from $20,770 to $15,934) with use of NCB instead of surgical biopsy. The cost of NCB had less effect on cost-effectiveness than the number of women who underwent NCB.


CONCLUSIONS
When used for the same indications as surgical biopsy, NCB substantially reduces the cost of a breast cancer screening program.
Lindfors
K K
KK
Department of Radiology, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento 95817.
Rosenquist
C J
CJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000191:economics; D008875:Middle Aged; D010173:Palpation; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests