The results demonstrate that the discrete choice experiment provides information on patient preferences for CRC screening: improving screening program effectiveness, for instance, by improving test sensitivity (the most valued attribute) would increase satisfaction among the general population with regard to CRC screening programs. Additional studies are required to study how patient preferences actually affect adherence to regular screening programs.
The implementation of colorectal cancer mass screening is a high public health priority in France, as in most other industrialised countries. Despite evidences that screening using guaiac fecal occult blood test may reduce colorectal cancer mortality, no European country has organised widespread mass screening with this test. The low sensitivity of this test constitutes its main limitation. Immunological tests, which provide higher sensitivity than the guaiac test, may constitute a satisfactory alternative. This study was carried out to compare the costs and the effectiveness of 20 years of biennial colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with an automated reading immunological test (Magstream) with those obtained with a guaiac stool test (Haemoccult). The model used to estimate the costs and effectiveness of successive biennial CRC screening campaigns was a transitional probabilistic model. The parameters used in this model concerning costs and CRC epidemiological data were calculated from results obtained in the screening program run in Calvados or from published results of foreign studies because of the lack of French studies. The use of Magstream for 20 years of biennial screening costs 59 euros more than Haemoccult per target individual, and should lead to a mean increase in individual life expectancy of 0.0198 years (i.e. about one week), which corresponds to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 2980 euros per years of life saved. Our results suggest that using an immunological test could increase the effectiveness of CRC screening at a reasonable cost for society.
Patient navigation aiming at increasing CRC screening participation is more efficient among affluent individuals. Nevertheless, when the intervention is implemented for the entire population, social inequalities in CRC screening adherence increase. To reduce social inequalities, patient navigation should therefore be restricted to deprived populations, despite not being the most cost-effective strategy, and accepted to bear a higher extra cost per additional individual screened.
Implementation of colorectal cancer (CRC) mass screening is a public health priority. Obtaining the involvement of general practitioners (GPs) is crucial for ensuring participation by the general public. This study elicited GPs' reasons for promoting CRC screening. The method used was discrete choice modeling. Questionnaires with a set of pairs of hypothetical screening scenarios were sent to 700 GPs. Factors influencing GPs' screening practice were found to be: the effectiveness of the screening program, the proportion of false negatives and false positives, and their remuneration. Hence improving screening test sensitivity and setting up specific remuneration for conducting screening would help to increase GPs' participation in CRC screening in France.
The use of an automated I-FOBT at 75 ng/ml would guarantee more efficient screening than currently used G-FOBT. Health authorities in industrialized countries should consider the replacement of G-FOBT by an automated I-FOBT test in the near future.
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