Though screening can extend lives for some, data reveals that, for certain individuals, screening leads to shortened lifespans.
Standard cancer screening might not extend lifespans, except possibly for colorectal cancer screening, as suggested by data.
While the study doesn’t advocate discontinuing cancer screening, researchers assert that patients must receive enhanced guidance about screening’s risks and advantages.
Numerous nations have launched screening initiatives to detect cancers in their early stages. For instance, mammograms for breast cancer and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer are routinely provided in the UK.
Michael Bretthauer, a professor of medicine at the University of Oslo in Norway who led the study, remarked, “The often-used phrase ‘screening saves lives’ carries significance in the context of people living longer due to screening. We aimed to validate this claim.”
Consider this scenario: a minority of women, after undergoing mammograms and subsequently having a breast removed, might encounter issues like blood clots or infections. Similarly, complications could arise during colorectal cancer screening, like perforations or bleeding.
The crux of the matter, as per Bretthauer, is the unpredictability of one’s category: “I might end up fortunate, benefiting from a longer life due to screening, or I might fall into the group that experiences complications, leading to a shorter life.”
Bretthauer emphasized that this study doesn’t discourage screening involvement, but it intends to spark a sensible conversation about screening expectations. He added, “I believe organizations, institutions, and policymakers advocating cancer screening as a life-saving measure should exercise more caution with this message going forward.”
Instead, he suggests that patients should routinely receive comprehensive information about the comparative advantages and disadvantages of screening and cancer treatment, empowering them to make more educated choices about their well-being.
Nicola Smith, a senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK, raised a point of caution, highlighting that the study didn’t encompass all the suggested national screening programs and tests available in the UK.
“Cancer screening aims to identify the disease early in individuals without symptoms, increasing the likelihood of successful treatment,” she noted. “Strong evidence indicates that participation in all UK cancer screening programs – encompassing breast, bowel, and cervical cancer – can decrease the risk of mortality from these cancers.”
Smith underscored the thorough process involved in recommending which screening programs to provide, emphasizing the meticulous assessment of harm and benefits. Recognizing the imperfections of screening, she stressed the significance of providing individuals with high-quality information to assist them in deciding whether to accept a screening invitation.
