ICES illustrates importance of communication between physicians and stage four cancer patients over screening

Ontario researchers believe the aim of screening is to detect disease early when treatment may improve the patient’s health. This study of patients with metastatic lung, breast or prostate cancer found 2.9%, 6.3% and 13.3% of patients, respectively, underwent testing for colorectal cancer within one year of cancer diagnosis. Within three years of diagnosis, rates jumped to 4.1%, 12.3% and 27.5%, respectively (8.5% of all patients). The researchers agree the excessive screening may reflect the successful promotion of the cancer screening program in Ontario. But they warn that a shortfall of the program is the lack of individualized consideration, specifically for patients with metastatic cancer. They add that when a patient with stage 4 cancer receives an invitation to get screened for cancer, it should spark a conversation about the benefits and risks of the screening with their doctor.