The British Medical Association is warning against inappropriate screening tests

“The British Medical Association report said patients should be particularly wary of tests which could be bought over the internet of via mail order.

And it warns ad hoc tests may do harm than good, either through false positive or inconsistent results.

The prostate cancer test and mammograms for women under 50 are two tests whose worth are questioned by the BMA.

An estimated £65 million was spent on private screening in the UK in 2004.

But while patients may pay for the initial screening, if a potential problem is discovered it is the NHS that picks up the bill for further tests, counselling and treatment.”

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