>We need tests with lower false positive rates. The problem with catching cancer early is confirming whether you actually have cancer or not.
This is a big problem, but it's far from the only problem. The other problem is catching cancers that are destined to stay harmlessly in place. So-called "turtles." They are surprisingly common among the population.
South Korea currently has this problem - 15 years of screening has found a massive amount of thyroid cancer, so much so that thyroid cancer is now the most common cancer in Korea. Yet all these extra cancers discovered and treated early hasn't reduced the death rate at all. That means the cancers being detected and treated are destined to have no negative consequences to the patient.
This is a big problem, but it's far from the only problem. The other problem is catching cancers that are destined to stay harmlessly in place. So-called "turtles." They are surprisingly common among the population.
South Korea currently has this problem - 15 years of screening has found a massive amount of thyroid cancer, so much so that thyroid cancer is now the most common cancer in Korea. Yet all these extra cancers discovered and treated early hasn't reduced the death rate at all. That means the cancers being detected and treated are destined to have no negative consequences to the patient.
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/05/09/5275692...