Cost-effectiveness analysis and screening tests for women.
Cost-effectiveness analysis is a method for identifying those medical interventions that are most effective given the resources available. This commentary focuses on the cost effectiveness of screening tests, with particular emphasis on such factors as the frequency and accuracy of the test; the risk of the condition and of adverse effects; the costs of screening, follow-up, and treatment; and the target population. The same test can be much more or less costly per year of life saved, and thus a better or worse use of medical resources, depending on how it is used. Results from cost-effectiveness analyses of a variety of screening interventions important to women (screening for cervical cancer and breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and mild thyroid failure) highlight the importance of developing screening protocols wisely so that women will receive the greatest possible benefit from their use.
Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.
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D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D016387:Women's Health