Cancer screening and early detection

In this talk, the focus is cancer screening and early detection, supported by coverage of cancer screening principles, including the rationale for early detection and the criteria for effective screening programs. We will review established screening methods for common cancers such as breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer, as well as the evolving role of biomarkers. Presentation will address the benefits and potential harms of screening, emphasizing the importance of evaluating risks, communicating with patients, and balancing benefits with unintended consequences. Finally, we will discuss approaches for population based and high risk screening, incorporating advances in genomics and ongoing research. Cancer screening aims to identify cancer at an early, often asymptomatic stage to reduce mortality and improve outcomes. The goal is to find disease before symptoms develop, allowing for less aggressive treatment and better survival. Effective screening targets common high risk cancers with a detectable preclinical phase and uses reliable tests that provide more benefit than harm. Screening decisions are based on evidence, considering medical, ethical, economic, and personal factors. Several types of cancer have established screening programs. For breast cancer, mammography is a cornerstone, especially for women over 50 and has reduced mortality. For colorectal cancer, strategies include fecal immunochemical testing, FIT, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, all