Cancer Screening Tests: Which You Need, and Which You Don't

Sometimes, when people go for a health check-up, they are offered lots of blood tests that look for tiny clues called tumor markers.

Some people think these tests can tell us if someone has cancer.

But doctors say these tests were not really made for healthy people who feel fine.

They are much more useful for people who already have cancer or might have it.

If the test comes back a little bit odd, it does not mean the person has cancer.

It might just mean they need more tests and worry for weeks, even though nothing is wrong in the end.

Also, if the test comes back normal, it does not mean there is definitely no cancer.

So sometimes, a test that sounds helpful can actually cause confusion and worry instead of reassurance.

It is a bit like a smoke alarm that goes off when there is no fire.