Doctors reconsidering common cancer tests
by Dr. Jon Hallberg, Minnesota Public RadioSt. Paul, Minn. — There's been a change in the guidelines concerning prostate cancer screening. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says the test could do more harm than good for men over age 75.
The change in recommendation comes on the heels of similar news about the effectiveness of breast self-examinations for women.
Both changes resulted from the same concern -- the previous recommendations were sending too many patients for testing procedures they didn't need. And there isn't enough evidence that those screenings actually prevented cancer deaths.
Dr. Jon Hallberg tells Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Crann why once-common tests are falling out of favor.
Broadcast Dates
Dr. Jon Hallberg
• Medical CommentatorAssistant professor in family medicine at the University of Minnesota, and medical director at Mill City Clinic.
