Screening for Bladder Cancer

Task Force Final Recommendation on Screening for Bladder Cancer in Asymptomatic Adults


In an update to its 2004 recommendation, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for bladder cancer in asymptomatic adults. This is an I statement. Previously, the Task Force concluded that the harms outweighed the benefits of screening for bladder cancer. The update focused on the benefits and harms of screening among people without symptoms, the accuracy of screening tests done in primary care settings, and the benefits and harms of treatment. The updated evidence review did not find any new high quality evidence to determine adequately the balance of benefits and harms of screening for bladder cancer. However, bladder cancer is a common cancer and can cause considerable health problems including death. Therefore, the Task Force determined that the evidence was insufficient to provide a recommendation for or against bladder cancer screening. The Task Force emphasized the need for additional research in this area. The recommendation appeared in the August 16 issue of Annuals of Internal Medicine. Select to access the recommendation on the USPSTF Web site.
Screening for Bladder Cancer