A comparative cost analysis of two screening strategies for colorectal cancer in Lynch Syndrome in a South African tertiary hospital

Aim Lynch Syndrome (LS) individuals have a 25-75% lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy screening decreases this risk. This study compared the cost of Strategy 1: screening colonoscopy for 1st degree relatives of patients that met the Revised Bethesda Criteria (i.e., probands) to Strategy 2: screening colonoscopy for 1(st) degree relatives of probands with genetic mutations for Lynch Syndrome based in a resource-constrained health care system. Method A comparative, health care provider perspective, cost analysis was conducted at a tertiary hospital, using a micro-costing, ingredient approach. Forty probands that underwent genetic testing between November 01, 2014 and October 30, 2015 and their first-degree relatives were costed according to Strategy 1 and Strategy 2. Unit costs of colonoscopy and genetic testing were estimated and used to calculate and compare the total costs per strategy in South African rand (R) converted to UK pounds () pound. Sensitivity analyses were performed on colonoscopy adherence, relatives' positivity, and variable discount rates. Results The cost for Strategy 1 amounted to 653 pound 344/R6 161 035 compared to 49 pound 327/R 465 155 for Strategy 2 (Discount rate 3%; Adherence 75%; and Positivity rate of relatives 45%). Base case analysis indicated a difference of 92% less in the total cost for Strategy 2 compared to Strategy 1. Sensitivity analyses showed that the difference in cost between the two strategies was not sensitive to variations in adherence, positivity or discount rates. Conclusion Colonoscopy screening for LS and at-risk family members was tenfold less costly when combined with genetic analysis. The logistics of rolling out this strategy nationally should be investigated.

Automated summary

This study compared the cost of two strategies for colonoscopy screening of relatives of Lynch Syndrome patients in a resource-constrained healthcare system. The results showed that combining genetic analysis with colonoscopy screening resulted in a 92% reduction in cost compared to colonoscopy screening alone.