overscreening
Screening individuals more frequently than recommended guidelines or beyond evidence-based intervals.
Full Definition
Overscreening refers to the practice of conducting cancer screening tests more frequently than recommended by evidence-based guidelines or continuing screening beyond the age or risk threshold where benefits outweigh harms. This phenomenon can result from physician recommendation, patient request, defensive medicine practices, or lack of guideline awareness. Overscreening increases healthcare costs, patient anxiety, and the likelihood of false positive results leading to unnecessary procedures. It is particularly problematic in cervical cancer screening, where annual Pap tests were historically performed despite evidence supporting longer intervals, and in mammography where some women receive annual screening starting at age 40 despite conflicting guidelines.
Usage
Usage note: Write as one word; avoid hyphenation.
In Context
- "The quality improvement initiative aimed to reduce overscreening while maintaining appropriate cancer detection rates." — healthcare quality report
- "Patient education materials should address concerns that may lead to overscreening requests." — clinical communication strategy