What is the role of screening and can and should it be expanded?
Photo: Getty Images By Contributor 3rd June 2021 The task of improving screening programmes will fall to many different organisations writes Professor Niall O’Higgins That early detection and treatment of serious disease should reduce premature death and morbidity is a simple idea. To translate this notion to a public health benefit by screening is far more difficult. The balance between effective treatment for those with previously undetected disease, and the avoidance of harm to those not in need of treatment is tricky. It requires accurate explanation of benefits and harms – com...