Cost-effectiveness of screening for colorectal cancer: a simulation model.
Colorectal cancer is a major cause of mortality in Western countries, although early detection of the disease is known to improve survival. Recent developments in medical technology have made mass population screening a practicable proposition and a number of randomized controlled trials of screening are currently being conducted. This paper reports on the construction of a computer simulation model of the cost-effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening, being developed in conjunction with a major UK trial. Based on accumulated trial data and semi-Markov descriptions of the disease process, the model will facilitate the assessment of the cost-effectiveness of a variety of screening modalities, with a view to informing policy in the future.
Neilson
A R
AR
Department of Surgery, Medical School, University of Nottingham, UK.
Whynes
D K
DK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics*; D008433:Mathematics; D008875:Middle Aged; D018803:Models, Economic; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology