Critique (Kat):

The article provides great examples of two popular screening tests that are used very frequently: the PSA test and the pre natal genetic disorder-screening test. The examples support the myth busters view on the topic, which is to consider the accuracy of the test and emotional implications it may have on the patient, before it is used for screening the public. However, some drawbacks of the data presented is as follows:

The article does not mention any associated costs or overall financial benefit to the healthcare system created by avoiding mandatory testing of the population. For example, the initial PSA test is not covered by OHIP (BC also does not cover the cost). The patient is to pat the $30 charge, and then if the screening test comes back positive, the cost is waived and future tests are of no cost to them. This structure may also raise questions regarding screening compliance in Ontario and British Columbia. According to a study conducted in BC, the incremental cost-effectiveness of regular screening ranged from $36,300/Life Year Gained, for screening every four years from ages 55 to 69 years, to $588,300/Life Year Gained, for screening every two years from ages 40 to 74 years.

Majority of the articles referenced are focused on PSA tests and do not mention any others. There are several instances when early detection is very beneficial and the disease is curable when detected at an early stage.

Sources of reference are not current. Most articles are dated ten years or older and during this time reliability of the technology used to test for prostate cancer and other diseases has increased, therefore decreasing the high number of false positive results.

Parkinsons/AlzheimerDiabeteshttp://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2012/05/21/prostate_cancer_screening_test_costs_ontario_patients_30.htmlhttp://prostatecancer.ca/In-The-News/Foundation-News-Releases/Prostate-Cancer-Canada-advocates-for-Ontario-to-pa#.U8bckJRdXpU30$http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.libaccess.lib.mcmaster.ca/doi/10.1002/ijc.28732/abstract;jsessionid=A10321E9DFCB89BE148E4A61E13E5B28.f01t04