Sensitivity, effect and overdiagnosis in screening for cancers with detectable pre-invasive phase

Studies on cancer screening often evaluate the performance by indirect indicators. In case the screening detects pre-invasive lesions, they may be a mixture of benefit of sensitivity and effect as well as of harm of overdiagnosis. Here, we develop the formulae for the sensitivity, the effect and overdiagnosis in screening for pre-invasive lesions of cancer. Sensitivity is the ability of screening to identify a progressive lesion at the level of test (relevant for the laboratory), episode (relevant in the clinic) and programme (relevant at the population level). Effect is reduction of cancer incidence in those screened (efficacy) and in the target population (effectiveness). The sensitivity is estimated by interval cancers between two consecutive screens (incidence method) and the effect by interval cancers and cancers detected at the subsequent screen. Overdiagnosis is estimated as the detection rate of pre-invasive lesions minus the rate of invasive cancer prevented by screening in one screening round. All the indicators are corrected for nonattendance and selective attendance by disease risk. The population to be followed and the period of follow-up are defined for each indicator separately. Data on cervix cancer screening with Papnet((R)) automation device are given as an example. Estimation of sensitivity and effect are consistent with the purpose of the screening to prevent invasive disease. We further define the purpose at the level of laboratory, clinical medicine and public health and derive six estimators corresponding to the specific purposes considered in our article. What's new? Substantial variation exists in the evaluation of cancer screening for pre-invasive lesions. In some instances, such as overdiagnosis in the case of nonprogressive lesions, screening may be more harmful than beneficial. The authors of this study have derived methods of estimation of sensitivity and effect, including formulae and data requirements at the level of events and person years, that are consistent with the purpose of cancer screening to prevent invasive disease. The six indicators specified in the study are useful at the levels of laboratory, clinical medicine, and public health.