SCREENING FOR CANCER - USEFUL DESPITE ITS LIMITATIONS

Effective primary prevention strategies are currently available for on ly a limited number of types of malignant neoplasms, In the meantime, the most effective intervention for cancer control is screening for th e early detection of cancer in otherwise asymptomatic persons, Screeni ng is probably most useful for cancers wherein the stage at diagnosis is clearly related to curability. Early detection by screening has bee n shown to lead to a better outcome following the treatment of cancers of the breast, cervix, and colon, Screening for cancer also enables p reneoplastic states to be detected and treated, Screening programs off er an opportunity to enhance the potential of chemoprevention. New can cer screening tests will soon be developed, including some that will d etect known genetic predispositions to cancer. Each new screening test must be critically evaluated in rigorous studies before being embrace d or rejected by clinicians and patients, In particular, screening eff icacy must be demonstrated as judged by improved survival of those scr eened.