profession

Evidence sparse on bladder-cancer screening accuracy

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Aug. 29, 2011

Print  |   Email  |   Respond  |   Reprints  |   Like Facebook  |   Share Twitter  |   Tweet Linkedin

There is not enough medical evidence to demonstrate that screening average-risk patients for bladder cancer is effective, according to a report published by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. About 14,000 Americans die of bladder cancer annually, and it is one of the top 10 most frequently diagnosed cancers in the U.S.

But the task force's report said most people without symptoms who test positive do not actually have bladder cancer. The potential harm associated with false-positive test results are unclear, and the task force said it found no high-quality studies comparing clinical outcomes for patients who received screening and those who did not. The panel's review of studies through 2009 is included in the August report (link).

Due to the lack of evidence, the task force made no recommendation on whether to screen asymptomatic patients. Adults who test positive for bladder cancer in a urine test are usually referred to a urologist for more tests.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/08/29/prbf0829.htm.

Back to top


ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISE HERE


Featured
Read story

Confronting bias against obese patients

Medical educators are starting to raise awareness about how weight-related stigma can impair patient-physician communication and the treatment of obesity. Read story


Read story

Goodbye

American Medical News is ceasing publication after 55 years of serving physicians by keeping them informed of their rapidly changing profession. Read story


Read story

Policing medical practice employees after work

Doctors can try to regulate staff actions outside the office, but they must watch what they try to stamp out and how they do it. Read story


Read story

Diabetes prevention: Set on a course for lifestyle change

The YMCA's evidence-based program is helping prediabetic patients eat right, get active and lose weight. Read story


Read story

Medicaid's muddled preventive care picture

The health system reform law promises no-cost coverage of a lengthy list of screenings and other prevention services, but some beneficiaries still might miss out. Read story


Read story

How to get tax breaks for your medical practice

Federal, state and local governments offer doctors incentives because practices are recognized as economic engines. But physicians must know how and where to find them. Read story


Read story

Advance pay ACOs: A down payment on Medicare's future

Accountable care organizations that pay doctors up-front bring practice improvements, but it's unclear yet if program actuaries will see a return on investment. Read story


Read story

Physician liability: Your team, your legal risk

When health care team members drop the ball, it's often doctors who end up in court. How can physicians improve such care and avoid risks? Read story

  • Stay informed
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • LinkedIn