OBJECTIVES

: Colorectal cancer is the fourth and second most common gastrointestinal cancer respectively in Iranian men and women which has involved the health system resources. Early detection of this disease through CRC screening can help to reduce both economic and epidemiologic burdens. So, this study seeks to evaluate the cost and outcomes of the FIT test in Shahreza in Isfahan province in the 2016-2020 period.

METHODS

: This descriptive study was evaluated the direct costs and outcomes of the 19392 individuals aged 50-70 years that participated in screening between 20 March 2016 to 10 March 2020. All direct costs were extracted from the financial documents of the vice of health and also, outcomes (such as detection of CRC and adenoma) were extracted from the health system. These data were reported as descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

The results of this study showed that the direct cost (medical and non-medical) of the colorectal cancer screening program during the years 2016-2020 was 221,747.32 US$-PPP (5,046,554,532 Rials). These costs led to the identification of 821 individuals with a positive FIT test, 8 primary colorectal cancers, and 151 adenomas. So, for every cancer detection, the health system paid about 27,718 US$-PPP.

CONCLUSIONS

: A screening intervention can lead to early detection of the disease, reduce diagnostic and treatment costs, and thus net cost savings. In addition, due to the rate of adenoma detection reported in this study, colonoscopy and follow-up of these patients are also essential.