Contact: Jeffrey Macdonald (202) 973-2903
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Jennifer Armstrong (202) 973-2930
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Colon Cancer Screening Costs Compare Favorably with
Other Common Health Screening Tests According to New Data
Phoenix, AZ, October 18, 1999 -- Colonoscopy screening is a cost-effective strategy for preventing colorectal cancer and increasing life expectancy among average risk patients over 50 in a managed care setting according to findings from a model developed by researchers at Duke University Medical Center which used data from the Duke Managed Care Plan. Compared to other colon cancer screening methods, colonoscopy screening, which examines the entire colon, is the most effective, preventing 12 cancers and saving 82 years of life in 1,000 patients over a 10-year period compared with no screening intervention.
Dr. Dawn Provenzale and her colleagues developed the model to evaluate various colorectal screening methodologies and compared these to other common medical practices. Using clinical data on the risks and benefits of screening, the researchers developed a decision model that simulates lifetime events to calculate the average cost per cancer avoided and per year of life gained.
The model also provided incremental cost ratio for each screening strategy estimated for 1000 patients over a 10-year period. Screening colonoscopy is cost-effective compared to other common practices, at an incremental cost of $6,600 per year of life saved compared to breast cancer screening ($22,000/year of life gained), heart transplantation in selected groups ($160,000/year of life gained) and screening for cervical cancer ($250,000/year of life gained).
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, with 138,000 new cases diagnosed in 1999 and 56,600 deaths. Key components of a colorectal cancer screening program for every man or woman over the age of 50 include: an annual fecal occult blood test; a flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years to detect colorectal cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage. In recent years, colonoscopy every 7 to 10 years for average risk patients has gained increasing acceptance as another screening alternative. Colonoscopy is recommended for individuals of any age who are at higher than average risk for developing colorectal cancer by virtue of prior history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps, a strong family history of the disease, or predisposing chronic digestive condition such as inflammatory bowel disease. Frequency of colonoscopy varies for different subsets of high risk patients, and they should consult with their physician.
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The ACG was formed in 1932 to advance the scientific study and medical treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The College promotes the highest standards in medical education and is guided by its commitment to meeting the needs of clinical gastroenterology practitioners. For more information, visit ACG's website: www.acg.gi.org
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