Overcoming Barriers
One important issue that has been raised regarding universal screening is whether informed consent is necessary. Ethics committees that have reviewed this issue have determined that explicit informed consent for screening is NOT necessary. For an example of one such decision click on the following link.
Most sites that are performing universal tumor screening have agreed with the ethics decision above and do NOT require written informed consent prior to screening. However, there are a few sites that have implemented written consent. Below is an example of one consent form.
Some sites are providing patients a brochure with their pre-op packets. The brochure explains universal tumor screening and lists a telephone number patients can call if they have any questions or concerns.