Does preventative screening for colorectal cancer affect treatment costs? - A regression analysis

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer accounts for a significant proportion of cancer related costs in Norway. Screening for colorectal cancer can reduce the burden of the disease through prevention and detection of cancers at earlier stages. If screening shifts the distribution of cancers towards less advanced cancers and treatment costs are increasing with advancement, we can expect savings in treatment costs from screening. The purpose of this study is to estimate the effect of a once-only sigmoidoscopy screening trial on treatment costs for colorectal cancer. Results:Treatment costs were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group. The finding indicates lower severity in the intervention group that may in part be explained by increased awareness. Lower treatment costs provide an additional benefit that should be incorporated in future cost-effectiveness analyses of colorectal cancer screening.