What Is Screening?

Screening tests are performed to detect cancer before the patient develops symptoms. In this way, cancer can be detected at an early stage. If abnormal tissue or cancer is found in its early phase, it is much easier to treat.

When symptoms begin to appear, cancer has probably already started to spread. Researchers are trying to better understand which groups of people are more susceptible to certain types of cancer. They are also studying the things we do and the environment we live in to see if these factors may cause cancer. This information can help doctors recommend cancer screening tests, determine which type of test is necessary, and how often they should be performed.

Screening tests can detect cancer in an early stage, before symptoms appear. If abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it is much easier to treat. When symptoms appear, cancer has probably already begun spreading in the body. This can make treatment or cure more difficult.

Screening tests are recommended when there are no symptoms of cancer. If the results of a screening test are abnormal, you may need more tests to determine whether cancer is present. These are called diagnostic tests.

It is important to note that your doctor does not assume you have cancer if they suggest a screening test.

Types of Screening Tests

There are several types of screening tests, including:

  • Clinical Examination and Medical History: A physical exam to evaluate overall health, identify possible signs such as lumps or other unusual findings. The patient’s medical history is also taken, including past illnesses and treatments.
  • Laboratory Tests: Medical procedures that analyze samples of tissue, blood, urine, or other substances from the body.
  • Medical Imaging: Procedures that create and record images of internal body structures.
  • Genetic Tests: Tests that investigate genetic mutations associated with certain types of cancer.

How Accurate Are Screening Tests?

Screening results can sometimes be normal even if cancer is present. A person receiving a false negative result (indicating no cancer when it actually exists) may delay seeking medical care, even if symptoms are present.

It is also possible that detecting cancer will not improve a person’s health or life expectancy. Some cancers are not life-threatening or do not cause symptoms. However, once detected through screening, they are usually treated. There is no way to know whether treatment will actually help a person live longer than if they had not been treated.

Both young and adult patients face a higher risk of suicide within the first year after a cancer diagnosis. Cancer treatments also have side effects. For some cancers, early detection and treatment do not increase the chance of cure or survival. This is why it is important to understand what screening is and what its advantages are.

Before Undergoing Screening

Before any screening test, it is important to discuss with your doctor or medical staff. Each screening test has its own benefits and risks. Healthcare professionals should explain the benefits and risks, describe what screening is, and include you in the decision-making process. This represents an informed and shared decision-making approach.

  • Your doctor will discuss the possible benefits, risks, and uncertainties associated with the screening test. This may include the benefits of early detection, as well as risks such as false positives, overdiagnosis, or overtreatment.
  • Your doctor may also provide information through brochures, leaflets, videos, websites, or other materials.
  • Once you understand the benefits and risks, you can decide whether to undergo the screening test, based on what you consider best for you. Because benefits and risks are closely related, the decision may be difficult.
  • Your decision will be documented in your medical record, and the test will be ordered if you agree.

Advantages of a Screening Test

A useful and properly functioning screening test should:

  • Detect cancer before symptoms appear.
  • Identify cancer early, when it is easier to treat and cure.
  • Produce few false negative or false positive results.
  • Reduce the risk of death from cancer.

Do Screening Tests Diagnose Cancer?

Screening tests usually do not diagnose cancer. If a screening test result is abnormal, further tests are required to determine whether cancer is present.

For example, a mammogram may detect a breast lump. This lump could suggest cancer or another condition. Further diagnostic tests are needed to confirm whether the lump is cancerous. Diagnostic tests may include a biopsy, in which a pathologist examines collected cells or tissue under a microscope to look for signs of cancer.

Who Should Be Screened?

Some screening tests are recommended only for people at higher risk for certain cancers. Anything that increases the chance of developing cancer is called a cancer risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean you will definitely get cancer, and not having risk factors does not mean you will never get cancer.

People at higher risk include:

  • Those who have had cancer in the past.
  • Those with two or more first-degree relatives (parent, sibling, child) who have had cancer.
  • Those with certain genetic mutations linked to cancer.

High-risk individuals may need screening earlier or more frequently than the general population. Screening helps identify people at risk of developing cancer. Researchers continue to study which groups are most susceptible and how environmental and lifestyle factors may play a role.

This information helps doctors recommend appropriate cancer screening tests, specify which tests are needed, and determine how often they should be performed. Schedule a consultation with us and see how we can help.

Research and Population Data

Since 1973, the SEER Program (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) of the U.S. National Cancer Institute has collected cancer data from patients across the United States. The information, research studies, and other data from this program are used to assess who is at increased risk of developing cancer.