The effect of information in the utilization of preventive health-care strategies: An application to breast cancer

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The effect of information in the utilization of preventive health-care strategies: An application to breast cancer

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Julia Witt (Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne, Vic., Australia)

Abstract

This paper investigates the net benefit of mammography. A theoretical expected utility (EU) model shows that increases in breast cancer risk, decreases in false-negative and false-positive rates, decreases in cost and increases|decreases in quality of life with early|late-stage breast cancer increase the net benefit of mammography. The theoretical findings are tested in an empirical analysis using Canadian data. The empirical results are broadly consistent with the EU hypothesis. Results suggest that women at higher risk are more likely to obtain a mammogram. In particular, individuals are significantly more likely to have had a time-appropriate mammogram if the mother's cause of death was breast cancer, and if the sister had breast cancer. The results also show that older age (related to higher risk and more accurate mammograms) increases mammography use, and that decreases in time and opportunity costs, and better health behaviours generally have the same effect. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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Article provided by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. in its journal Health Economics.

Volume (Year): 17 (2008)
Issue (Month): 6 ()
Pages: 721-731
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Handle: RePEc:wly:hlthec:v:17:y:2008:i:6:p:721-731

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References listed on IDEAS
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Gabriel Picone & Frank Sloan & Donald Taylor, 2004. "Effects of Risk and Time Preference and Expected Longevity on Demand for Medical Tests," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 28(1), pages 39-53, January. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
Stephen T. Parente & David S. Salkever & Joan DaVanzo, 2005. "The role of consumer knowledge of insurance benefits in the demand for preventive health care among the elderly," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 14(1), pages 25-38. [Downloadable!]
Stephen T. Parente & David Salkever & Joan DaVanzo, 2003. "The Role of Consumer Knowledge of Insurance Benefits in the Demand for Preventative Health," NBER Working Papers 9912, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc. [Downloadable!] (restricted)

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