Government must tackle unregulated screening
 Patients should avoid unregulated screening tests because they may cause more harm than good. This comes from a British Medical Association (BMA) report entitled Population screening and genetic testing.
The report calls on the government to tackle unregulated screening that operates outside national guidelines and recommendations. Two of the unregulated screening examinations mentioned were whole body CT scanning and mammograms for women under 50.
The document, from the BMA’s Board of Science, said that unregulated screening can put patients at risk because:
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Tests are unlikely to be based on sound evidence;
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Quality control of testing may be non-existent;
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The tests are not part of a proper screening system leading to appropriate follow-up and effective intervention;
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Balanced information for participants is unlikely to be provided;
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Information and support for patients after a positive result is unlikely.
Richard Evans, The Society’s CEO gave the report a mixed review. He commented, “It is a well reasoned critique of screening and is generally supportive of formal, organised and appropriately targeted programmes and emphasises the importance of a firm scientific evidence base for screening.
“However, health professionals may be frustrated that it does not take a more outspoken approach to unregulated screening. The recent debate in Synergy News about self referral whole body CT scanning is informed by the report rather than resolved by it,” he added.
Aspects of private sector screening were also on the BMA’s hit-list. The report raised concerns about harms from inappropriate tests, lack of continuity of care, quality assurance and lack of support and advice.
Download the report here.
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