Cost-effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening in the average risk population.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death in North America and in Israel. Risk of CRC increases exponentially with age starting at the age of 50 years. Therefore, people older than 50 years are being considered as an average risk population for CRC. The objective of this study was to obtain an improved assessment of the cost-effectiveness analysis of screening for CRC in the average risk population by using a more accurate technique, namely the Partially Observed Markov Decision Process (POMDP). We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis within the specific probability rates and costs in Israel. This study revealed that it is highly cost-effective to screen average-risk asymptomatic individuals.