Screening effectiveness

Screening for various diseases, including cancer, has its limits and may not be as effective as hoped for some populations. Dr. Vinay Prasad discusses on the EconTalk that while screenings are common, data shows they aren't universally effective, especially for average-risk populations. The psychological impact of screening can also be significant, altering a person's perception of their health unnecessarily 1.

Dr. Keith Flaherty adds on the The Peter Attia Drive that effective screening evidence is limited to certain cancers like cervical, breast, and colon cancer. Even then, the reduction in mortality risk isn't particularly high, with breast and colon cancer screenings reducing death risk by about a third and a quarter, respectively. He emphasizes the need for combining multiple tests to enhance the effectiveness of screening programs 2.