Abandoning testing for asymptomatic microscopic haematuria in Sweden – a long-term follow-up

Abstract

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that the Swedish national policy of abandoning testing for asymptomatic microscopic haematuria (AMH) introduced in 1999 did not adversely affect the prognosis of patients with urinary bladder cancer. Specific aims were to investigate possible effects on (1) Diagnostic delay as represented by stage distribution at diagnosis, (2) Survival and mortality trends, also in comparison to other countries and (3) National health care costs. Material and methods: The design was an observational study using open sources on patients included in the Swedish National Bladder Cancer Registry 1997–2016. Outcome measures were: Changes in initial tumour presentation during 5 years after the change and long-term relative survival and mortality in comparison to the other Nordic countries. Costs related to investigations were estimated based on the national price lists. Results: The proportion of patients diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer decreased following the policy change. The long-term relative 5-year survival increased during the study period. Mortality has remained constant during the period. In comparison to the other Nordic countries, Sweden remains among those with the best outcome despite a more restrictive approach. Cost savings because of the policy change were estimated to be substantial. Conclusions: Based on open-source registry data, the new restrictive policy was not found to adversely affect the survival of patients with urinary bladder cancer in Sweden. These observations argue against a major negative impact of abandoning further work-up for patients with AMH and may be of use for other countries when revising guidelines. The reduced number of patients undergoing investigation may allow for increased focus and be a relief both for caregivers and the health budget.