Over Testing a Problem in Early Stage Breast Cancer
When the diagnosis is breast cancer fears about possible metastases are only natural. After all, with this form of cancer capable of spreading to the lymph nodes, bones and other nearby locations, a reasonable level of concern is expected. Even so, researchers are finding that doctors are recommending too many follow-up scans to rule out cancer’s spread in the case of patients diagnosed in the earliest stages. This over-use of screening tests can actually pose greater harm for women while clogging up the medical system with unnecessary tests and undue expenses.
A Canadian study into the use of post-diagnosis screenings was recently released. It found that of early stage breast cancer diagnoses in Ontario between 2007 and 2012 at least 86 percent of women had at least one extra scan after diagnosis. Most women, researchers found, had multiple scans. The average, in fact, was four scans per woman to check locations such as the lungs, abdomen and pelvis. These scans were conducted despite very low risk of spreading in Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the disease. The chance of Stage 1 patients having metastases is about 0.2 percent. For Stage 2 cancers, the rate of spreading is only 1.2 percent.
Researchers say that while may pose more risks than benefits. MRIs and CT scans expose women to radiation, which is a cancer causer in the first place. Add to this the extra anxiety of waiting for test results to arrive and the fact doctors often hold treatments until they have results in hand and the bad points for over testing pile up. These points are complicated further by the costs associated with tests and the fact they may delay other patients with different diseases from getting tests they need due to over scheduling of MRI and CT scan facilities.
The bottom line researchers say is that fewer tests may be more advisable. Women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer should discuss the pros and cons of additional screening closely with their healthcare providers.
About Author:-Choice Cancer Care is an independent, physician-owned cancer center network. Dr. Gregory Echt, a radiation oncologist with over two decades of experience, is the founder of Choice Cancer Care. Choice Cancer Care is among the busiest practices in the country for brachytherapy, or prostate seed implant therapy – a cancer treatment plan for prostate cancer that provides remarkable success rates and fewer life-limiting side effects.