Can You Overdo Testing? Know the Limits and Best Practices

Research indicates that cancer centers often provide older adults with inconsistent or misleading information, resulting in unnecessary testing and potential health complications. While lung cancer screenings are intended solely for high-risk individuals, around half of cancer center websites fail to discuss possible risks. For example, reminders for mammograms or PSA tests may prompt patients to seek additional information online. The US Preventive Services Task Force and various medical bodies outline guidelines for cancer screenings, yet analyses reveal that many cancer center domains disregard these recommendations. A review of over 600 sites advocating prostate screenings revealed that over 25% advised universal testing for men, with around 75% neglecting to specify an appropriate age to cease testing. Recent advancements in cancer research point toward promising developments in uterine cancer, blood testing, melanoma diagnostics, and innovative treatments for breast and rectal cancers. Concerns regarding overtreatment, particularly in older populations, underscore the need for informed decision-making and patient advocacy in screening practices.