There also isn't a straightforward way to tell if a detected cancer/precancer is actually harmful and needs treatment. Ductal carcinoma in situ is almost solely detected through routine mammograms. While 30 or so percent of these lesions will go on to become invasive breast cancer most will cause no symptoms, won't progress to cancer, and be harmless. Since there is no way to tell which cases of DCIS are harmful, usually cases of DCIS are treated as if they are invasive cancer.
Now, this poses an interesting question - what is an acceptable rate of over treatment? When does the harm outweigh the benefits? Those questions i don't have an answer to.
Though the PSA test is no longer recommended by some organizations for similar reasons. Same with the breast self exam.
When does detecting a cancer with no symptoms actually improve quality of life or longevity? These are very complex questions.
There also isn't a straightforward way to tell if a detected cancer/precancer is actually harmful and needs treatment. Ductal carcinoma in situ is almost solely detected through routine mammograms. While 30 or so percent of these lesions will go on to become invasive breast cancer most will cause no symptoms, won't progress to cancer, and be harmless. Since there is no way to tell which cases of DCIS are harmful, usually cases of DCIS are treated as if they are invasive cancer.
Now, this poses an interesting question - what is an acceptable rate of over treatment? When does the harm outweigh the benefits? Those questions i don't have an answer to.
Though the PSA test is no longer recommended by some organizations for similar reasons. Same with the breast self exam.
When does detecting a cancer with no symptoms actually improve quality of life or longevity? These are very complex questions.