When evidence says no: gynaecologists’ reasons for (not) recommending ineffective ovarian cancer screening
Clinical trials have repeatedly shown screening for ovarian cancer to be futile and potentially harmful due to the risk of over diagnosis*. Despite this, in the USA, large numbers of gynaecologists continue to recommend screening to their patients.
This survey of 401 currently practising US gynaecologists showed about 60% advised screening. The criteria tested were knowledge of appropriate practice, understanding of statistics, what they thought their colleagues did and whether they thought financial conflict of interest might be a cause for other doctors' choices.
The results were that screeners justified their decision, saying their colleagues supported screening and they were responding to patient pressure. Most thought wrongly that clinical evidence supported their choice. Non-screeners thought financial interest was a cause for inappropriate screening and had a better understanding of approved practice. Of significance was the difference in knowledge of statistical concepts with most screeners failing the test and non-screeners usually being statistically literate.
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