Thanks! That's helpful information. It's exactly what I was worried about.
For diagnostic tests, I always like to know the sensitivity and the specificity (and try to gauge my own level of risk). I remember being in my 40s and having gynecologist tell me I should get a mammogram. I ran the numbers and figured out that if I got a positive test, the probability of it being a false positive was more than 90%.
I decided to wait to age 50. I've already had one unnecessary surgery because of a false positive test. And I spent months worrying about it until they actually did the surgery and found no problem.
It's not always easy to find doctors that will stick to evidence-based medicine. You have to do your own math.
You are spot on Dana! The mammogram screening age debate is a big one that people have lots of feelings about. We definitely don't talk enough about the potential downsides of false positives as people increasingly quantify their bodies in more and more detail... I definitely don't recommend buying the commercial kits for your epigenetic age for instance :).
Thanks! That's helpful information. It's exactly what I was worried about.
For diagnostic tests, I always like to know the sensitivity and the specificity (and try to gauge my own level of risk). I remember being in my 40s and having gynecologist tell me I should get a mammogram. I ran the numbers and figured out that if I got a positive test, the probability of it being a false positive was more than 90%.
I decided to wait to age 50. I've already had one unnecessary surgery because of a false positive test. And I spent months worrying about it until they actually did the surgery and found no problem.
It's not always easy to find doctors that will stick to evidence-based medicine. You have to do your own math.
You are spot on Dana! The mammogram screening age debate is a big one that people have lots of feelings about. We definitely don't talk enough about the potential downsides of false positives as people increasingly quantify their bodies in more and more detail... I definitely don't recommend buying the commercial kits for your epigenetic age for instance :).
Good news. Thank you
Alas, the calculus performed by physicians often has a hidden variable
Pr(Suit|Not Performing a Test)