Medical News Today -- The Associated Press/Arizona Republic: “It’s an unthinkable notion for a generation raised on the message that early cancer detection saves lives, but specialists say more tumors actually are being found too early. That is raising uncomfortable questions about how aggressively to treat early growths -- in some cases, even how aggressively to test -- along with a push for more of the informed-choice programs. ... Today’s cancer screenings can unearth tumors that scientists say never would have threatened the person’s life. The problem is there aren’t surefire ways to tell in advance which tumors won’t be dangerous. ... Work is under way to better predict that, and even the staunchest supporters of screening call overdiagnosis a problem that needs tackling. ... Nowhere is the disconnect more obvious than with prostate cancer screening. Most men over 50 have had a PSA blood test to check for it even though major medical groups don’t recommend routine PSAs, worried they may do more harm than good for the average man” (Neergaard, 6/15).
