UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Methods: We selected 9 of 68 programs and gathered detailed cost and effectiveness data using standardized data collection tools. Program costs were collected utilizing an activity-based approach. Effectiveness was measured by the number of women served in selected programs. The number of women served (NWS) was defined as the number of women screened (NWSC) plus the NWSC elsewhere and accepted for follow-up of abnormal results. Clinical costs include cost of screening and diagnostic services and case management. Data were collected from July 2003 to June 2004 and were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. We performed sensitivity analysis utilizing second-order Monte Carlo simulation method to appraise uncertainty in the estimated average costs.

Results: The average number of women served was 8,012 per program and the estimated cost per woman served was US$479.47. The cost of clinical services was estimated to be US$250.63 per woman. For breast cancer screening only, the NWSC was 7,109 and the cost per woman screened was US$104.42. For cervical cancer screening, the NWSC was 5,225 and the cost per woman screened was US$53.52. Total expenditures for all programs activities were US$3.2 million. Screening accounted for the highest percentage (44.3%) of total expenditures. Sensitivity analysis showed some variation in the NWS or NWSC and the average costs per woman served or screened.