The Economic Evaluation of Screening for Colorectal Cancer: Case of Iran

Background: Given increasing rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) in countries with intermediate incidence rates, the decision to implement population-based screening must consider the trade-off between high costs and a relatively low yield. We estimated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 10 strategies for colorectal cancer screening, as well as no screening, incorporating quality of life, noncompliance, and data on the costs and benefits of chemotherapy in Iran. Methods: We used a Markov model to measure the costs and quality-adjusted life expectancy of 50-year-old average-risk Iranian without screening and with screening by each test. In this study, we populated the model with data from the ministry of health and published literature. We considered costs from the perspective of a health insurance organization, with inflation to the 2011 Iranian Rial converted to US dollars. We focused on three tests of the 10 strategies considered, currently being used for population screening in some Iranian provinces (Mazandaran Kerman, Golestan, Ardabil, and Tehran): low-sensitivity guaiac fecal occult blood test, performed annually; fecal immunochemical test, performed annually; and colonoscopy, performed every 10 years. Results: These strategies reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer by 39%, 60%, and 76% and mortality by 50%, 69%, and 78%, respectively, compared with no screening. These strategies generated ICER (incremental cost-effectiveness ratios) of $9067, $654, and $8700 per QALY (quality-adjusted life year), respectively. Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the influence of various parameters on the cost-effectiveness of screening. The results were robust to probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Colonoscopy every 10 years yielded the greatest net health benefit. Conclusions: Screening for colorectal cancer is cost-effective over conventional levels of WTP (Willingness to Pay). Annual high-sensitivity fecal occult blood testing, such as a fecal immunochemical test, or colonoscopy every 10 years offer the best value for the money in Iran.