Science / Medicine : Doctors Stir Cancer Test Debate

In an article that strongly questions recommendations by major medical policy groups, two doctors argued last week that the effectiveness of widespread colorectal cancer testing is unproven and does not justify the expense incurred. Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer in the United States, with some 140,000 new cases and 60,000 deaths each year.

In an article in the New England Journal of Medicine, the doctors conclude that there is no direct evidence that widespread screening for colorectal cancer saves the lives of asymptomatic people in families not prone to the illness. Furthermore, they argue, patients over 50 pay an estimated $1.2 billion a year for testing even though there is only a 5% risk of contracting the cancer by age 80 and 2.5% chance of dying from it.

But the conclusion by the doctors, David F. Ransohoff of Yale University and Christopher A. Lang of the University of North Carolina, drew immediate fire from the American Cancer Society. It said the two had overlooked new research that does not support their conclusion. In addition, the society said, waiting for better strategies and methods would result in avoidable deaths.