| Objective To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of urban esophageal cancer screening programs in Anhui Province, so as to provide empirical evidence for the regular implementation of early esophageal cancer screening in this region.Methods Integrating field research data with existing literature, extracting parameters such as probability, screening cost, and health utility value required for the Markov model. The screening strategy is set to endoscopic examination, and positive individuals undergo further pathological biopsy for diagnosis, in order to clarify the detection of esophageal cancer and its precancerous lesions.Taking the no-screening group as the control, economic evaluation was performed using life years saved (LYS) and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs).Results Compared with the unscreened group, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) corresponding to four screening strategies (once every 5 years, once every 3 years, once every 2 years, and once annually) were 14,348 CNY per LYS, 14,244 CNY per LYS, 14,122 CNY per LYS, and 13,866 CNY per LYS respectively, all satisfying the cost-effectiveness criterion.Conclusion Esophageal cancer screening strategies demonstrate significant cost-effectiveness advantages, with varying screening frequencies adaptable to different economic conditions. Among various screening strategies, the once-a-year screening scheme starting at age 40 is the optimal strategy for Anhui Province. |
