BOSTON, MA — In the case of most cancers, early detection increases the likelihood of successful treatment. However, looking for cancer in a man who appears to be healthy can have unintended consequences, says the October issue of the Harvard Men’s Health Watch.

Most people realize that such tests may be frightening, inconvenient, or uncomfortable—and that invasive tests may have side effects that can be serious. But, says the Harvard Men's Health Watch, even a test that’s safe and simple can lead to additional tests or treatments that are not. In short, the test can end up doing more harm than good.

Screening for colon cancer makes sense because the disease develops slowly in a predictable pattern and early treatment is highly effective but late treatment is not. Tests include fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and double-contrast barium enema. Skin cancer screening is easy, safe, and effective. By comparison, screening for lung cancer is more controversial. Spiral computed tomography can pick up cancers in the lung that are small, when they may still be cured, but it also detects many tiny nodules that are not malignant. Clinical trials are underway to determine if this test does more harm than good. At present, the American Cancer Society does not recommend lung cancer screening, even in smokers.

"In the last analysis, each man must decide for himself," says Dr. Harvey Simon, editor of the Harvard Men's Health Watch. "In general, men at high risk tend to benefit from testing much more than men at low risk. And although it can be hard to think about the consequences of a cancer diagnosis, ask your doctor what’s likely to happen if you find you have the disease, and if treatment is apt to change that result."

Also in this issue:

Coffee and blood pressure Botox and the prostate Measuring triglycerides