结肠癌患者可定期行乙状结肠镜检
http://www.100md.com
2000年9月20日
Sigmoidoscopy most cost-effective for colo cancer
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Among the variety of tests available to screen for colon cancer, an annual stool blood test and flexible sigmoidoscopy are the two most cost-effective for people of average risk, according to a study in the summer issue of The International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care.
Dr. Rezaul K. Khandker, of Health Economics Research, Inc., and associates conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis that measured the costs of eight colon cancer screening methods against the advantages the tests offered in adding years to a person's life.
All of the screening options lowered death rates considerably, compared to no screening at all, the report indicates. But the benefits of screening methods depend on factors such as the number of years it takes for a polyp in the colon to become cancerous and how much it will cost to implement such screening programs.
Using Medicare and private insurance claim data, the investigators found that sigmoidoscopy, a screening technique to examine the lining of the lowest part of the colon, cost $12,636 per life-year saved if performed every 5 years. Annual stool blood testing, which detects blood from a polyp or tumor in the colon, cost $14,394 per life-year saved.
Screening and treatment of colon cancer is a public health issue, Khandker noted. Whether to screen all persons after a certain age, what types of screening methods to use and how often, all are important public policy and ethics questions.
“It depends on how much you value a life.” he said in an interview with Reuters Health. The researcher added that “$20,000-$25,000 for an additional year of life is considered cost effective.”
Consumers “should be aware of the fact that not all strategies are as economically feasible.”Khandker pointed out.“It's an insurance issue. But if they know one test is more effective than another, they can ask their physician for a particular test.”
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the US, accounting for 54,900 deaths in 1997. Although some people are at risk because of genetics or from complications related to inflammatory bowel disease, others develop the disease without any obvious predisposing conditions.
SOURCE: The International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care, 百拇医药
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Among the variety of tests available to screen for colon cancer, an annual stool blood test and flexible sigmoidoscopy are the two most cost-effective for people of average risk, according to a study in the summer issue of The International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care.
Dr. Rezaul K. Khandker, of Health Economics Research, Inc., and associates conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis that measured the costs of eight colon cancer screening methods against the advantages the tests offered in adding years to a person's life.
All of the screening options lowered death rates considerably, compared to no screening at all, the report indicates. But the benefits of screening methods depend on factors such as the number of years it takes for a polyp in the colon to become cancerous and how much it will cost to implement such screening programs.
Using Medicare and private insurance claim data, the investigators found that sigmoidoscopy, a screening technique to examine the lining of the lowest part of the colon, cost $12,636 per life-year saved if performed every 5 years. Annual stool blood testing, which detects blood from a polyp or tumor in the colon, cost $14,394 per life-year saved.
Screening and treatment of colon cancer is a public health issue, Khandker noted. Whether to screen all persons after a certain age, what types of screening methods to use and how often, all are important public policy and ethics questions.
“It depends on how much you value a life.” he said in an interview with Reuters Health. The researcher added that “$20,000-$25,000 for an additional year of life is considered cost effective.”
Consumers “should be aware of the fact that not all strategies are as economically feasible.”Khandker pointed out.“It's an insurance issue. But if they know one test is more effective than another, they can ask their physician for a particular test.”
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the US, accounting for 54,900 deaths in 1997. Although some people are at risk because of genetics or from complications related to inflammatory bowel disease, others develop the disease without any obvious predisposing conditions.
SOURCE: The International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care, 百拇医药