Estimation of the Cost-Effectiveness of Breast Cancer Screening Using Mammography in Mexico Through a Simulation.
BACKGROUND
Currently, breast cancer is the most prevalent tumor among Mexican women. Screening methods such as mammography could potentially reduce the health and economic burden of breast cancer; however, its risk-benefit balance is still unclear.


OBJECTIVE
To estimate the cost-effectiveness of different breast cancer screening programs using mammography in Mexico and to contribute to the decision-making process on this preventive measure.


METHODS
A simulation study was performed using population data and incidence rates. Several screening programs were assessed using the cost-effectiveness methodology recommended by the World Health Organization.


RESULTS
The feasible recommended screening program has an examination schedule periodicity of every three years, with a population coverage of 0, 15, 18, 20, 25, 20, 18, and 0% for the age groups of 25-40, 40-45, 45-50, 50-55, 55-60, 60-65, 65-70, and 70-75 years, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the present coverage in Mexico, it is necessary to optimize our resource allocation to improve the country's breast cancer prevention policy.
Epidemiology Unit, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, SSA, Mexico City, Mexico.
Ernesto
E
Ulloa-Pérez
Epidemiology Unit, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, SSA, Mexico City, Mexico.
Alejandro
A
Mohar-Betancourt
Epidemiology Unit, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, SSA, Mexico City, Mexico.
Nancy
N
Reynoso-Noverón
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D014944:World Health Organization