Modelling the Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness of Screening for Cancer

Abstract:

The Cancer Screening Group in the Lowy Cancer Research Centre provides policy-makers with the information needed to enable evidence-based decision making for cancer prevention and screening. The group uses a range of methods including epidemiological analysis, clinical evaluation, systematic review and health economic evaluation. The basis for much of our work is mathematical modelling of the natural history of cancer, and screening, diagnostic and treatment processes. To date, the main focus of our research has been the interplay between human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical screening in both high and low resource countries. This presentation will give an overview of our model platform and modelling approaches to HPV and cervical cancer. As a case study, we will present the methods and findings for a recent modelled evaluation of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the National Cervical Screening Program in Australia. This evaluation has been used to support new recommendations for cervical screening in Australia.