The promise of finding cancer earlier must be weighed against the evidence for each test.
What screening can do
Some established screening programmes can detect certain cancers earlier and reduce deaths from those cancers. A positive screening result is not a diagnosis; follow-up testing is essential. Recommendations differ by cancer type and individual risk, which is why an age or test name alone cannot serve as a personal plan.
The other side of the equation
False positives, overdiagnosis and unnecessary procedures can cause harm. Tests intended to detect many cancers from a single sample are being studied, but detecting more signals is not the same as proving fewer deaths. Readers should discuss screening choices with a qualified clinician using guidance relevant to their age, history and local health system.
Further reading: NCI: Cancer screening tests.
This article is general editorial information, not individual medical advice. Discuss personal decisions with a qualified health professional.
