Background: Several screening methods for colorectal cancer (
CRC) are available, and some have been shown by randomized trials to be effective. In the present study, we used a well-developed population health simulation model to compare the risks and benefits of a variety of screening scenarios. Tests considered were the fecal occult blood test (
FOBT), the fecal immunochemical test (
FIT), flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. Outcomes considered included years of life gained,
CRC cases and deaths prevented, and direct health system costs.
Methods: A natural history model of
CRC was implemented and calibrated to specified targets within the framework of the Cancer Risk Management Model (
CRMM) from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. The
CRMM-
CRC permits users to enter their own parameter values or to use program-specified base values. For each of 23 screening scenarios, we used the
CRMM-
CRC to run 10 million replicate simulations.
Results: Using base parameter values and some user-specified values in the
CRMM-
CRC, and comparing our screening scenarios with no screening, all screening scenarios were found to reduce the incidence of and mortality from
CRC. The fobt was the least effective test; it was not associated with lower net cost. Colonoscopy screening was the most effective test; it had net costs comparable to those for several other strategies considered, but required more than 3 times the colonoscopy resources needed by other approaches. After colonoscopy, strategies based on the
FIT were predicted to be the most effective. In sensitivity analyses performed for the
FOBT and
FIT screening strategies,
FOBT parameter values associated with high-sensitivity formulations were associated with a substantial increase in test effectiveness. The
FIT was more cost-effective at the 50 ng/mL threshold than at the 100 ng/mL threshold.
Conclusions: The
CRMM-
CRC provides a sophisticated and flexible environment in which to evaluate
CRC control options. All screening scenarios considered in this study effectively reduced
CRC mortality, although sensitivity analyses demonstrated some uncertainty in the magnitude of the improvements. Where possible, local data should be used to reduce uncertainty in the parameters.
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