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The cost-effectiveness of screening programs is very important to
consider. Screening often requires large amounts of resources,
not only for the screening test itself, but also for follow-up
and treatment. These investments have to be made as a screening
program is developed, while the benefits do not accrue for some
time in the future.
It is often believed that screening programs will save money.
However, most economic analyses of screening programs show that
the savings do not offset the expenses. At the same time, many
screening programs can represent an efficient investment of
resources, when compared with other medical interventions.
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