Screening: Seeking A Balance

In the document from January 2007, the controversy surrounding cancer screening practices is highlighted by two cases: the over-screening of prostate cancer in older male veterans in the United States and a malpractice case in the UK involving breast cancer screening. A study published on November 15, 2006, showed that one-third of male veterans over 85 years old were tested for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), despite the test's unreliability and the fact that guidelines vary widely regarding its use. In the UK, a clinical director was found guilty of misconduct for destroying a mammogram and not having formal training in assessing them, but the General Medical Council (GMC) took no action, stating that the patient suffered no harm. These cases underscore the need for better training and education to ensure appropriate implementation and interpretation of screening procedures in preventive oncology. The GMC's decision is criticized for setting a dangerous precedent and undermining the credibility of ethical clinical practice in the UK.