Patient Navigation Services to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screenings are Cost-effective

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The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) finds patient navigation services to increase colorectal cancer screening are cost-effective. A systematic economic review of evidence shows estimates of cost per quality adjusted life year gained are below a conservative threshold of $50,000. In addition, the CPSTF finds that the return on investment is favorable for patient navigation services to increase colorectal cancer screening by colonoscopy, as estimated values for colonoscopy reimbursement exceed the cost of the intervention

CPSTF recommends patient navigation services to increase colorectal cancer screening among historically disadvantaged racial and ethnic populations and people with lower incomes. Patient navigation services are expected to advance health equity when implemented among these populations who often have lower screening rates.1 With timely and appropriate follow-up care and treatment, patient navigation services may improve health for these groups.

The CPSTF has related findings for patient navigation interventions to increase screenings for the following:

What are Patient Navigation Services for Cancer Screening?

Healthcare systems provide patient navigation services to help patients overcome barriers to accessing cancer screening. Services are often offered to populations experiencing greater disparities in cancer screening, including people from historically disadvantaged racial and ethnic populations and people with lower incomes. They include client reminders, reduced structural barriers or improved assistance getting around them, reduced out-of-pocket costs, or a combination of these approaches. Services may also provide one-on-one or group education.

Patient navigation services are delivered by community health workers, patient navigators, healthcare professionals, nurses, social workers, or others. They are often designed to be culturally- and language-appropriate.

Why is this important?

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in adults.2 It is estimated the United States spent $24.3 billion for colorectal cancer care in 2020.3 Cancer screening rates are lower among people from historically disadvantaged racial and ethnic groups and people with lower incomes.1 Patient navigation services to increase colorectal cancer screening are an evidence-based intervention expected to expected to advance health equity when implemented among populations who have lower screening rates.

For More Information:

References

1 Sabatino SA, Thompson TD, White MC et al. Cancer screening test receipt – United States, 2018. MMWR 2021;70(2):29-35.
2 U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. U.S. Cancer Statistics Data Visualizations Tool, based on 2019 data. CDC and National Cancer Institute: 2019. Accessed Sept 29, 2022. www.cdc.gov/cancer/dataviz.
3 National Cancer Institute. Financial burden of cancer care. Cancer Trends Progress Report. Updated April 2022. Accessed November 4, 2022. https://progressreport.cancer.gov/after/economic_burden