The goal of screening and early detection is to cure cancer by catching the malignancy or its precursor lesion at an early stage prior to the onset of symptoms, as at this stage, the treatment is most effective.
Screening – particularly in prostate, breast, cervical, and to a certain extent, head, neck and colon cancers may help detect cancer at an early stage. Initial studies did show significant impact in terms of reducing mortality, especially in breast and cervical cancers.
Robust screening programmes
Downside of aggressive screening
Pertinent questions to be asked
Benefits of early screening
Patients have more treatment options with a less complex and complicated approach. This not only allows for affordable healthcare, but also saves money and resources of the healthcare system
For example, lung cancer claims 1.8 million lives every year worldwide. Yet, very few cases are diagnosed in early and curable stage
Early detection by cancer screening is an economic as well as a humanitarian investment
It offers a very good chance of cure and long-term survival
Patients can have a more fulfilling life, in terms of their work, earnings and spending quality time with their family in a healthy way
It will eliminate healthcare costs significantly, which otherwise would have to be borne by the healthcare system down the road
(Dr Nikhil S Ghadyalpatil, senior consultant medical oncologist & hemato-oncologist, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad)