Cancer tests: necessary and useless

Experts from the non-profit organization Consumer reports analyzed the feasibility of screening for various types of cancer and concluded that most of us should avoid eight of these tests. They believe that the advantages of most screening methods of examination are exaggerated, and the results obtained with their help can be misleading, not only for the patients themselves, but also for their attending physicians.

According to Consumer reports experts, the following survey methods are the most effective:

• In the first place is a screening examination for cervical cancer. It is recommended for women aged 21 to 65 years. It does not make sense for women under the age of 21 to take Pap smears, since cases of cervical cancer are extremely rare at this age, and the results of screening of this age group may not correspond to reality.
• In second place – breast cancer screening of women aged 50-74 years. At the same time, women aged 40-50 years, as well as over 75 years should consult with their doctor about the feasibility of such screening, taking into account individual risk factors.
• Screening for colon cancer is especially recommended for men and women aged 50-75 years. At a more advanced age, the expediency of such testing decreases. This disease is extremely rare in people under 50 years of age, therefore, representatives of this age group should consider the possibility of conducting such a survey only if there are risk factors.

Do not waste your time on unnecessary examinationsMost people are advised to avoid the following screening examinations for cancer:

1. Detection of bladder cancer by the content of blood cells and malignant cells in the urine.
2. Low-dose computed tomography to detect lung cancer. The American Community of Oncologists recommends screening for lung cancer only to elderly people who have been smoking for many years.
3. You should not be specifically examined for oral cancer. According to the recommendation of the American Community of Oncologists, such an examination should be carried out by a dentist during each preventive examination.
4. Ovarian cancer screening is not recommended for all age groups, as its effectiveness is very low. Only high-risk women should be examined. In September 2012, the US Special Commission on Preventive Examinations recommended avoiding screening for ovarian cancer, since the risks associated with it exceed the benefits they bring.
5. Prostate cancer screening is a blood test for the content of prostate–specific antigen (PSA). According to the recommendations of the American Community of Oncologists, patients should discuss with their attending physician the feasibility of undergoing this examination. In May 2012, the US Special Commission on Preventive examinations concluded that a blood test for prostate-specific antigen content can be useful only for a small number of men, whereas such a survey can harm the majority.
6. Screening for pancreatic cancer is not recommended for men and women of all age groups. Only people in the high-risk group should undergo an examination consisting of abdominal imaging or genetic testing. To date, there are no examination methods that allow detecting this disease at an early (curable) stage.
7. Examination for skin cancer, consisting in a visual examination by a dermatologist searching for signs of melanoma (the most dangerous type of skin cancer). According to the American Community of Oncologists, such an examination should be carried out as part of a routine examination carried out by the attending physician.
8. Testicular cancer screening should only be considered for men of all age groups who are at high risk. Most cases of testicular cancer detected without screening are curable.

Experts came to such conclusions based on the analysis of the results of medical research, consultations with specialists, viewing more than 10,000 survey results and conversations with patients. A more detailed analysis was carried out on the basis of evidence–based reviews compiled by the US Special Commission on Preventive Examinations, an independent group supported by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

According to John Santa, head of the Consumer Reports Health ratings center, it is known that many consumers approach screening examinations from the position of "I have nothing to lose anyway." However, this attitude may be far from the truth. Unfortunately, some health organizations promote this attitude, inflating the benefits that screening can bring and belittling the potential dangers associated with it.

The authors of the report recommend that patients, before deciding to undergo a particular examination, ask the appropriate specialists a number of questions, such as:

• Will a positive test result save my life?
• Am I at an increased risk for developing this type of cancer? If so, why?
• How often do patients receive false positive results during such an examination?
• Are there alternative methods of examination with similar effectiveness?
• If my examination brings a positive result, what will happen next?

The authors also note that strict adherence to the schedule of screening examinations is vital for people who have undergone oncological diseases, as it allows timely detection of secondary tumors.

The article The cancer tests you need – and those you don't is published in the journal Consumer Reports.

Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru according to Medical News Today:
Avoid Eight Cancer Screenings, Says Consumer Reports.

05.02.2013