By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Time to Discourage Cancer Screening for People with Limited Life Expectancies?
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Specialties > Geriatrics > Time to Discourage Cancer Screening for People with Limited Life Expectancies?
DiagnosticsGeriatrics

Time to Discourage Cancer Screening for People with Limited Life Expectancies?

DavidEWilliams
DavidEWilliams
Share
2 Min Read
SHARE

The USPSTF recommendations on the age to start breast cancer screening attracted a lot of attention and opposition. I support the idea of starting routine screening later, because I’m worried about the harms of screening –such as invasive and traumatic follow-up– that are generally not discussed. But of course it’s also hard to argue against the inevitable anecdotes of specific young people who were saved by early screening.

The USPSTF recommendations on the age to start breast cancer screening attracted a lot of attention and opposition. I support the idea of starting routine screening later, because I’m worried about the harms of screening –such as invasive and traumatic follow-up– that are generally not discussed. But of course it’s also hard to argue against the inevitable anecdotes of specific young people who were saved by early screening.

Screening of older people (or those ill with life-threatening conditions) is another matter, and I’m glad to see a BMJ article that recommends against breast or colorectal cancer screening for people who have a life expectancy of under 10 years. As MedPage Today reports (Oldest Patients May Not Need Cancer Screening):

The benefits of cancer screening come from early detection of asymptomatic cancers that would cause symptoms or death years later, according to the authors. As such, screening is associated with a “time lag to benefit.”

More Read

Lowering Risk of Alzheimer’s With Exercise, Diet and Mind Activities: An Exclusive Interview
Healthcare Revolution: Healthcare IoT Possibilities and Challenges
Has CLL Defined Me?
When a Health Care Business Model Disruption is Self-Destructive
What’s the Big Deal about GPUs in Ultrasound Imaging?

When life expectancy is shorter than the time lag, patients are exposed to immediate risks of screening, which has little chance of providing a benefit.

Maybe the USPSTF should have placed more emphasis on the older end of the spectrum rather than on the younger end. It might be easier for people to understand why an 80 year old with a serious illness might skip her mammogram due to the ratio of likely benefit to likely harm. With that example in mind it could be more straightforward to discuss benefits and harms in the younger cohort as well.

 

TAGGED:cancer screening
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

dental care
Importance of Good Dental Care for Health and Confidence
Dental health Specialties
October 2, 2025
AI in Healthcare
AI in Healthcare: Technology is Transforming the Global Landscape
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
October 1, 2025
Choosing the Right Swimwear for Health and Safety
News
September 30, 2025
sports concussions
Concussion In Sports: How Common They Are And What You Need To Know
Infographics
September 28, 2025

You Might also Like

Walking Abnormalities
DiagnosticsWellness

Hidden Dangers of Walking Abnormalities

April 24, 2017
echocardiographic
DiagnosticsFinanceHealth ReformPolicy & LawSpecialties

Echocardiographic in General Population Not Effective in Reducing Death/Disease

August 12, 2013
GeriatricsHome Health

National Adult Day Services Week (September 18-24)

September 19, 2012

Tips for Hosting an Age-friendly Thanksgiving Dinner

November 22, 2012
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?