Health Services Research on Endoscopic Surveillance for Gastric Cancer in the Singapore Chinese Population - Experience of the Gastric Cancer Epidemiology Clinical and Genetic Program

Abstract

Gastric cancer is largely a fatal disease associated with high incidence and mortality in most Asian populations such as Singapore where it imposes a huge disease and economic burden. Secondary prevention measures, namely screening or surveillance aiming for early detection, have assumed an increasingly important role for gastric cancer control. Endoscopic surveillance focusing on the people with precancerous lesions has demonstrated its effectiveness in prolonging patients? survival. This PhD project was undertaken to investigate the cost of illness, clinical outcome and ultimately cost-effectiveness of endoscopic surveillance. Besides its value as an academic pursuit, this PhD project has provided scientific evidence to address the issues regarding implementing an endoscopic surveillance program for gastric cancer in the Singapore Chinese population. The cost-effectiveness data may also help health authorities to make an informed decision on the worth of investing in such a public health program for Singapore.