Good to have a fellow scientist comment Roger. We cannot say screening skin for cancer saves lives. Cancer is a very complex biologic phenomenon. It as not as simple as "cutting it out". We have cancer cells in our body and usually our body destroys them. Early detection usually doesn't work. Shocking for some, but once again, cancer is complex.
This Issue
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Original Investigation
August 28, 2023
Estimated Lifetime Gained With Cancer Screening TestsA Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Michael Bretthauer, MD, PhD1; Paulina Wieszczy, MSc, PhD1,2; Magnus Løberg, MD, PhD1; et alMichal F. Kaminski, MD, PhD1,2,3; Tarjei Fiskergård Werner, MSc4; Lise M. Helsingen, MD, PhD1; Yuichi Mori, MD, PhD1,5; Øyvind Holme, MD, PhD1; Hans-Olov Adami, MD, PhD1,6,7; Mette Kalager, MD, PhD1
Author Affiliations
JAMA Intern Med. 2023;183(11):1196-1203. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.3798
Full Text
Key PointsQuestion Cancer screening tests are promoted to save lives, but how much is life extended due to commonly used cancer screening tests?
Findings In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 long-term randomized clinical trials involving 2.1 million individuals, colorectal cancer screening with sigmoidoscopy prolonged lifetime by 110 days, while fecal testing and mammography screening did not prolong life. An extension of 37 days was noted for prostate cancer screening with prostate-specific antigen testing and 107 days with lung cancer screening using computed tomography, but estimates are uncertain.
Meaning The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that colorectal cancer screening with sigmoidoscopy may extend life by approximately 3 months; lifetime gain for other screening tests appears to be unlikely or uncertain.
Think twice before going to the doctor for "your health". Don't medicalize your golden years with endless trips to the doctor with biopsies, colonoscopies, stress tests, orthopedic procedures, and ablative surgeries. Take a walk, talk to a friend or loved one. Make something in the shop.