BMJ  2004;328 (10 January), doi:10.1136/bmj.328.7431.0-b

Intensive follow up of patients with colorectal cancer is cost effective

Intensive follow up of patients after curative resection for colorectal cancer improves survival. In a cost effectiveness analysis using data from a previous meta-analysis Renehan and colleagues (p 81) found that the extra cost for each life year gained by intensive compared with conventional surveillance was around £3400—substantially lower than the £30 000 NHS threshold of cost acceptability. The authors say that intensive follow up is economically justified and should be routinely offered to these patients, who have a one in three risk of recurrence.


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Relevant Article

Cost effectiveness analysis of intensive versus conventional follow up after curative resection for colorectal cancer
Andrew G Renehan, Sarah T O'Dwyer, and David K Whynes
BMJ 2004 328: 81. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

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