Is cancer screening worth it? with Michael Bretthauer

Is cancer screening worth it, and how can GPs have that conversation?

This episode of Deep Breath In explores the intricacies of assessing risks and benefits of cancer screening, featuring Michael Bretthauer's insights from a JAMA Internal Medicine study.

That meta-analysis combined efficacy of various cancer screening studies - and found most screenings showed minimal gains in extending overall life expectancy, though some slightly reduced cancer-specific mortality.

That leaves GPs with the challenge of communicating these nuanced findings to patients. Michael explains how he tries to convey complex concepts to patients, despite the societal inclination toward extensive testing despite low risks.

 

Reading list;

Jama paper - Estimated Lifetime Gained With Cancer Screening Tests
A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

The BMJ analysis  - Current policies on early detection of prostate cancer create overdiagnosis and inequity with minimal benefit