Final published version
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Costs, effects and cost‐effectiveness of breast cancer control in Ghana
AU - Zelle, Sten G.
AU - Nyarko, Kofi M.
AU - Bosu, William K.
AU - Aikins, Moses
AU - Niëns, Laurens M.
AU - Lauer, Jeremy A.
AU - Sepulveda, Cecilia R.
AU - Hontelez, Jan A. C.
AU - Baltussen, Rob
PY - 2012/8
Y1 - 2012/8
N2 - Breast cancer control in Ghana is characterised by low awareness, late‐stage treatment and poor survival. In settings with severely constrained health resources, there is a need to spend money wisely. To achieve this and to guide policy makers in their selection of interventions, this study systematically compares costs and effects of breast cancer control interventions in Ghana. We used a mathematical model to estimate costs and health effects of breast cancer interventions in Ghana from the healthcare perspective. Analyses were based on the WHO‐CHOICE method, with health effects expressed in disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs), costs in 2009 US dollars (US$) and cost‐effectiveness ratios (CERs) in US$ per DALY averted. Analyses were based on local demographic, epidemiological and economic data, to the extent these data were available. Biennial screening by clinical breast examination (CBE) of women aged 40–69 years, in combination with treatment of all stages, seems the most cost‐effective intervention (costing $1299 per DALY averted). The intervention is also economically attractive according to international standards on cost‐effectiveness. Mass media awareness raising (MAR) is the second best option (costing $1364 per DALY averted). Mammography screening of women of aged 40–69 years (costing $12 908 per DALY averted) cannot be considered cost‐effective. Both CBE screening and MAR seem economically attractive interventions. Given the uncertainty about the effectiveness of these interventions, only their phased introduction, carefully monitored and evaluated, is warranted. Moreover, their implementation is only meaningful if the capacity of basic cancer diagnostic, referral and treatment and possibly palliative services is simultaneously improved.
AB - Breast cancer control in Ghana is characterised by low awareness, late‐stage treatment and poor survival. In settings with severely constrained health resources, there is a need to spend money wisely. To achieve this and to guide policy makers in their selection of interventions, this study systematically compares costs and effects of breast cancer control interventions in Ghana. We used a mathematical model to estimate costs and health effects of breast cancer interventions in Ghana from the healthcare perspective. Analyses were based on the WHO‐CHOICE method, with health effects expressed in disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs), costs in 2009 US dollars (US$) and cost‐effectiveness ratios (CERs) in US$ per DALY averted. Analyses were based on local demographic, epidemiological and economic data, to the extent these data were available. Biennial screening by clinical breast examination (CBE) of women aged 40–69 years, in combination with treatment of all stages, seems the most cost‐effective intervention (costing $1299 per DALY averted). The intervention is also economically attractive according to international standards on cost‐effectiveness. Mass media awareness raising (MAR) is the second best option (costing $1364 per DALY averted). Mammography screening of women of aged 40–69 years (costing $12 908 per DALY averted) cannot be considered cost‐effective. Both CBE screening and MAR seem economically attractive interventions. Given the uncertainty about the effectiveness of these interventions, only their phased introduction, carefully monitored and evaluated, is warranted. Moreover, their implementation is only meaningful if the capacity of basic cancer diagnostic, referral and treatment and possibly palliative services is simultaneously improved.
KW - Breast Cancer
KW - Developing Countries
KW - Cost‐Effectiveness
KW - Ghana Policy
KW - Non‐Communicable Diseases
KW - Cancer Du Sein
KW - Pays En Développement
KW - Coût‐Efficacité
KW - Politique
KW - Ghana
KW - Maladies Non Transmissibles
KW - Cáncer De Mama
KW - Países En Vías De Desarrollo
KW - Coste Efectividad
KW - Políticas
KW - Enfermedades No Contagiosas
U2 - 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2012.03021.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2012.03021.x
M3 - Journal article
VL - 17
SP - 1031
EP - 1043
JO - Tropical Medicine and International Health
JF - Tropical Medicine and International Health
SN - 1360-2276
IS - 8
ER -