More cancer screenings sounds like good news. But can the NHS cope with them? | Christina Pagel

Earlier detection means more successful treatment – but also a drain on resources for an already creaking health serviceThis month, it was reported that England ’s existing screening programme forbowel cancer for 60 to 74-year-olds had prevented 20,000 cases of bowel cancer over the past 10 years. This comes amid an ongoing effort in England toextend bowel cancer screening to those aged between 50 and 59. And in June, the NHS national director for cancerwelcomed a new blood test currently being trialled in the UK that can detect 50 types of the disease.More cancer screening seems like unqualified good news: generally, the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the higher the chance of successful treatment. However, there are harms that come with screening, too, both for people being screened and for the NHS as a whole that should be mitigated against. I am certainly not discouraging people from taking up screening offers, but expansion of screening programmes must come with concrete plans about delivery. This requires extra NHS fundingand capacity.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Cancer NHS Bowel cancer Health Society Cancer research Science UK news Source Type: news