A new study showing that cancer screening is not associated with improved survival doesn’t mean it’s useless. Additionally, there were many shortcomings in the data analysis in this study. Cancer experts say this Live Science.
Cancer screening means looking for signs of cancer early, before symptoms appear. This is believed to allow treatment to begin earlier, thus increasing its effectiveness.
In the new study, researchers examined 18 high-quality studies (RCTs) involving 2.1 million people examining six screening tests for four types of cancer: breast, lung, prostate and colon. The research was published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.
The analysis found that sigmoidoscopy (a screening test for colon cancer), which involves using an endoscope to look only at the lower part of the colon, extends people’s lives by an average of three months if a tumor is detected.
In the Live Science commentary, experts noted that although the study used data from more than two million people in total, each study involved between three and 400 thousand people. This number is not enough to evaluate the effectiveness of screening because millions of people are screened every year. Additionally, some studies date back to 1989, which may limit their relevance.
Second, the authors of the new study did not take into account the specific reason why a person’s life ended.
“The very significant increase in life expectancy for the very small percentage of people who get cancer is completely offset by the poorer survival from other causes, including heart disease and stroke,” said Stephen Duffy, professor of oncology at Queen Mary University of London. To Live Science.
Pilot evidence supports the effectiveness of breast, colon and lung cancer screening, according to the USPSTF. Cervical cancer screening is also recommended for women. Prostate cancer screening slightly increases the chances of recovery if a tumor is found, but should be discussed with your doctor as it does not benefit everyone.
In general, it is important to consider one’s personal risk on a case-by-case basis; Otherwise, overdiagnosis and overtreatment of cancer can cause people to suffer serious side effects and psychological distress from treatments they do not need.
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