Rethinking Cancer Screening: Mammography and PSA Tests

Mammography may not be effective for all breast tissue types and cancer characteristics, with its effectiveness higher in post-menopausal women with calcification in the cancer. To improve detection rates, combining mammography with ultrasound or MRI is recommended. Similarly, the PSA test for prostate cancer lacks specificity and sensitivity when used in isolation. To enhance accuracy, factors like PSA velocity and density should be considered, alongside additional tests like the 4K test and prostate MRI, especially for high-risk individuals. Although the advanced screening methods may incur higher costs, they are significantly more cost-effective and less morbid compared to detecting cancer at later stages when it has spread to the bone, rendering treatment less effective and the condition terminal.