Cancer Screening: How Much Is Too Much?

Many groups are urging routine screening tests for cancer. But most tests have not been proven to save lives, the New York Times reported July 17. A new advertising campaign promotes exams for thyroid cancer. But this cancer is rare and usually grows slowly. A member of Congress is seeking funding to promote breast cancer detection in young women. But mammograms don’t detect cancer as well in young women. Also, few young women get breast cancer. Screening tests also can cause harm, experts told the Times. People may get biopsies they don’t need. They may get surgery for cancers that would never harm them. They may get so tired of tests that they ignore real symptoms later on.