New Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines

The American Cancer Society (ACS), after a careful review of research data by clinicians and public health specialists, published new guidelines for women at average risk for breast cancer. Here are the highlights: First mammogram at age 45 and yearly until age 54. At age 55 have a mammogram every two years. Breast exams by clinicians are…

Screening for Dementia

Today there is great interest in screening tests to identify early cognitive impairment in older adults. But are there benefits of doing so to the patient or family? According to a review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force there is no empirical evidence to support the benefits of even the best screening tools. Perhaps…

Diabetes Screening When There Are No Symptoms

When should you start screening to detect type 2 diabetes? Using a mathematical model to simulate 325,000 people in the US population, researchers have found the most cost effective strategy is to start screening between 30 and 45 years of age with repeat tests every 3 to 5 years.Doing this would allow a diagnosis some 6 years earlier…

Encouraging News on the Colonoscopy Front

While certainly not our favorite screening procedure, colonoscopy remains the best method of detecting colorectal cancer early. A surprising number of people simply refuse this important screening test. Technology may be coming to their rescue (and ours also). Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a large capsule with a camera at each end and the electronics to…