Cost-effectiveness of digital breast tomosynthesis versus digital mammography for breast cancer screening: a…

Abstract

Background

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is being rapidly adopted and has the potential to improve diagnostic performance compared with digital mammography (DM), the current standard for breast cancer screening. However, its cost-effectiveness remains uncertain, and a systematic synthesis of economic evidence is lacking. Therefore, this study aims to review existing cost-effectiveness analyses of DBT versus DM in average-risk women to inform policy decision-making and identify key considerations for future economic evaluations.Methods

Seven databases (MEDLINE, Embase, KSR Evidence, Cochrane Library, NHSEED, CEA Registry, and RePEc IDEAS) were searched in June 2025. Eligible studies included cost-utility analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis of DBT compared with DM alone in women at average risk of breast cancer. Outcomes included costs and effectiveness, measured in quality-adjusted life years or life years gained. Study characteristics, modeling approaches, and cost-effectiveness results were extracted and narratively synthesized.Results

A total of 10 studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included, 5 assessing DBT with DM and 5 assessing standalone DBT. Conclusions varied from cost-saving to not cost-effective. Studies including women aged 40-74 years and modeling biennial screening generally found DBT to be cost-effective. Evidence for standalone DBT was limited but suggested potential cost savings in some settings.Conclusions

DBT may be a cost-effective intervention compared with DM for breast cancer screening. However, further robust economic evaluations, particularly of standalone DBT, are warranted to inform policy decision-making across diverse healthcare settings, particularly within Asian settings.

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Cite

BibTeX RIS

BibTeX

@article{chansaengpetch2026costeffectiveness,
  title = {{Cost-effectiveness of digital breast tomosynthesis versus digital mammography for breast cancer screening: a systematic literature review}},
  author = {Supakorn Chansaengpetch and Lisa Stirk and Nigel Armstrong},
  journal = {Asian biomedicine : research, reviews and news},
  year = {2026},
  month = aug,
  doi = {10.2478/abm-2026-0025},
  url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13718366},
  note = {CC BY},
}

RIS

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of digital breast tomosynthesis versus digital mammography for breast cancer screening: a systematic literature review
AU  - Supakorn Chansaengpetch
AU  - Lisa Stirk
AU  - Nigel Armstrong
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/08/31
JO  - Asian biomedicine : research, reviews and news
DO  - 10.2478/abm-2026-0025
UR  - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13718366
AB  - Background  Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is being rapidly adopted and has the potential to improve diagnostic performance compared with digital mammography (DM), the current standard for breast cancer screening. However, its cost-effectiveness remains uncertain, and a systematic synthesis of economic evidence is lacking. Therefore, this study aims to review existing cost-effectiveness analyses of DBT versus DM in average-risk women to inform policy decision-making and identify key considerations for future economic evaluations.Methods  Seven databases (MEDLINE, Embase, KSR Evidence, Cochrane Library, NHSEED, CEA Registry, and RePEc IDEAS) were searched in June 2025. Eligible studies included cost-utility analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis of DBT compared with DM alone in women at average risk of breast cancer. Outcomes included costs and effectiveness, measured in quality-adjusted life years or life years gained. Study characteristics, modeling approaches, and cost-effectiveness results were extracted and narratively synthesized.Results  A total of 10 studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included, 5 assessing DBT with DM and 5 assessing standalone DBT. Conclusions varied from cost-saving to not cost-effective. Studies including women aged 40-74 years and modeling biennial screening generally found DBT to be cost-effective. Evidence for standalone DBT was limited but suggested potential cost savings in some settings.Conclusions  DBT may be a cost-effective intervention compared with DM for breast cancer screening. However, further robust economic evaluations, particularly of standalone DBT, are warranted to inform policy decision-making across diverse healthcare settings, particularly within Asian settings.
SN  - 1905-7415
SN  - 1875-855X
ER  -

Abstract

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