Stephen H. Bradley, MRCP; Matthew J. Thompson MPH, DPhil; Brian D. Nicholson, MRCGP
Corresponding Author: Stephen H. Bradley, MRCP; University of Leeds. Email: medsbra@leeds.ac.uk
Section: Special Communication
Publication: 3/18/2021
The history of cancer screening has demonstrated that the case for cancer screening is not straightforward. In contemporary practice sharing decision making with patients has increasingly become expected of Family Physicians. At the same time increasing emphasis has been placed on encouraging patients to participate in screening programmes as a means to improve cancer outcomes. The success of cancer screening is often judged by the numbers of those who participate. Improving cancer outcomes should be a priority for Family Medicine, but the importance of this goal should not undermine doctors’ commitment to help patients make informed decisions that are consistent with their own values and priorities. If we are serious about empowering patients, we need to be more open about the limitations of cancer screening, so as to help patients make up their own minds.