Approaches to the analysis of case-control studies of the efficacy of screening for cancer

Abstract

To an increasing extent, case-control studies are being undertaken to determine if use of early detection procedures is associated with reduced mortality from cancer. The authors recommend that in such studies the analysis focus on screening activity in cases that occurs during an interval prior to diagnosis in which the cancer is believed to be detectable and still curable and to a corresponding time period in controls. This approach places a heavy burden on the investigator to estimate accurately the period during which the tumor ought to be detectable using the test in question and to sort out reliably tests done in response to signs or symptoms of the cancer from screening tests per se. Nonetheless, the authors feel that it offers the greatest ability to discern a true benefit of screening, while minimizing the numerous potential biases that can be present in this type of study.