A new health economics analysis identifies three critical findings for healthcare systems evaluating H. pylori screening implementation. First, screening yields a robust 5:1 return on investment in gastric cancer prevention, demonstrating clear economic value. Second, the strongest clinical and economic case for screening exists in high-incidence regions where gastric cancer exceeds 20 cases per 100,000 annually—predominantly in East Asia and Eastern Europe.
Third, successful programme outcomes depend on ensuring affordable access to effective eradication therapy and establishing reliable screening infrastructure. Healthcare leaders should prioritise H. pylori screening integration into prevention strategies in high-risk populations, particularly where resources can be efficiently allocated to maximise population-level benefit. Implementation requires coordination between primary care, laboratory services, and pharmaceutical access to achieve the economic returns demonstrated in this analysis.
Read the full article on GMJ Newsroom.
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