Early detection of breast cancer could save millions

A recent study conducted by the University of Ottawa determined that early detection of breast cancer would save the Canadian health system millions of dollars, in addition to saving the lives of thousands of patients.

When it is detected at an early stage, breast cancer is easier to treat, the patient then having a very good chance of survival. Conversely, breast cancer detected at an advanced stage is more likely to cost a patient’s life and requires more extensive treatments.

In recent years, new types of treatments have emerged to treat advanced stages of breast cancer. While they undoubtedly represent progress for the women who benefit from them, they are also very expensive.

It is based on this observation that the D^D Anna Wilkinson, associate professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa and general oncologist at the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, set out to examine the cost-effectiveness of treatments.

At the end of a study conducted jointly with the Sunnybrook Research Institute, she and her research team in surgery, radiology and oncology were able to determine the average amount that could be saved if women had a mammogram every year from the age 40 years old.

For a cohort of women aged 40 to 74, early detection would save the Canadian health system $459.6 million over their lifetime. It would also save 3,499 lives according to their calculations.

“Treatment for precancerous lesions costs around $15,000,” illustrates the researcher. Treating stage 1 cancer costs an average of $30,000, stage 3 cancer approximately $110,000, and stage 4 cancer $300,000 to $500,000. »

Adapted guidelines

Even if it is not free, early screening by mammography would allow the health system to make significant savings. But this would require each province to adapt its screening policy to encourage women to have mammograms from the age of 40.

“Most provinces and territories – apart from Quebec and Manitoba – now have screening programs for women aged 40 and over. As we are in a public health system, it is important that we have this reflection around the use of resources,” says the D^D Wilkinson.

She also believes that it would be beneficial to conduct similar studies to analyze the costs of screening and treatment in the case of other cancers.

“The benefits provided by early detection in terms of lives saved and complications avoided were already sufficient to say that early detection should be adopted, but the cost is an additional factor that can be taken into account. »

And before 40?

Another study, published at the end of April and to which the D^D Wilkinson also participated, showing that breast cancer was on the rise among Canadian women aged 20 to 40. Should we therefore consider raising the age of first screening even further?

Not necessarily, replies the oncologist. “The absolute number of cases [de cancer du sein] for women in their 20s and 30s is not high enough in my opinion to justify large-scale screening programs,” she says.

However, other preventive actions could be put in place, specifies the D^D Wilkinson. The oncologist recommends in particular raising awareness among women and health personnel of the fact that it is possible to develop breast cancer before the age of 40.

She also believes that women in their thirties should be encouraged to use risk calculators so that they can be screened if their risk turns out to be high.