After a negative screening colonoscopy, a microsimulation model shows that currently recommended strategies are equally effective for rescreening
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Regenstrief Institute and Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Correspondence to: Thomas F Imperiale
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Regenstrief Institute and Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; timperia{at}iupui.edu
Commentary on:
Context
Several computer-based decision models have demonstrated the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with any of the recommended tests and strategies.1 These strategies include annual high-sensitivity guaiac-based faecal occult blood testing or faecal immunochemical testing, CT colonography every 5 years and colonoscopy every 10 years.2 For each strategy, the models simulate CRC-related outcomes such as CRC incidence and mortality, life-years, complications and costs, and assume that persons use the same screening test repeatedly. The models further assume a certain starting age (usually, age 50) for screening the population, which is screened for a certain time interval (usually 25–30 years) and then followed until death. On a continuum with the …
