Full-body scans: no evidence yet, says college
03 May 2002
A Sydney GP has introduced the concept of full-body CT scans to Australia, amid concerns from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.
While the college is not discouraging patients from undertaking the $880 procedure, it says there is no evidence to suggest the scan has positive health benefits.
'We have no data as yet because there isn't any,' said college spokesman Dr Stephen Cahill.
An advertisement in the lay press says the full-body scans can detect hidden diseases including: coronary artery disease; tumours, gall bladder and kidney stones; and back conditions. Patients can self-refer.
ProActive Medical Screening director GP Dr Paul Condoleon said, 'All we are doing is screening before the person develops symptoms, so we might pick up things such as cancer, that are in a very early stage and therefore easier to treat and produce higher survival outcomes.'
Last Reviewed: 06 May 2002
- Medical Observer Weekly 03/05/02
