Mammograms are vital in young and middle-aged women, but after age 70, if there is no history of cancer or visible symptoms, their usefulness decreases.
Risks: False positives, unnecessary biopsies, anxiety, and overtreatment.
Alternative: Self-examination, clinical check-up and mammograms only if there are symptoms or relevant history.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
Widely used to detect prostate cancer in men, but in men over 70, PSA testing can lead to overdiagnosis of slow-growing cancers that would not cause harm during their lifetime.
Risks: Unnecessary surgeries, erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and stress.
Alternative: Only recommended if there are worrying urinary symptoms or a strong family history.
