Many NHS screening programmes are failing to set out fully for the public the risks and benefits of taking part, MPs say today.
The report follows controversy about breast screening programmes.
The MPs from the science and technology committee praise changes made to literature about breast screening – but say these should be applied to all programmes.
And they call on the UK National Screening Committee to publish the background to its decisions on whether to back screening programmes or not.
Their findings will be important as the scope for genetic screening increases – and the MPs also highlight the role of private companies offering screening tests.
The report was welcomed today by the British Medical Association.
Committee chair Andrew Miller said: "Ministers must also do more to ensure that all front-line health care professionals delivering screening programmes receive regular training to refresh their communication skills.
"Poor communication of the risks and benefits is not a problem confined to the NHS, however.
"Concerns were raised during our inquiry about the poor quality of information provided by private health companies offering commercial screening tests. While the NHS must remedy the problems identified by its own screening tests, it also has to deal with those of private companies that effectively privatise the goods of screening and nationalise the bads."
Mr Miller added: Developments in genetic science mean that it should soon become possible to target screening programmes directly at those most of risk of certain diseases. It is imperative that the UK National Screening Committee develops its capacity for horizon scanning and ensures that proven developments in screening are supported and implemented across the NHS."
The deputy chair of the BMA GP committee Dr Richard Vautrey said many GPs shared the committee’s concerns.
He said: “The BMA would welcome a full review of the benefits of the current NHS Health Check programme as many GPs have doubts as to its benefit and cost effectiveness."
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