[Early diagnosis of cancer]

Early diagnosis of cancer makes a positive difference in morbidity and mortality. It requires patients to consult their GP about the symptoms and the physician's alertness to cancer as a possible diagnosis. Patients do not exhibit stable patterns of reaction to the warning signs. These signs are not specific for cancer and are often found in patients without cancer. Physicians, and especially GPs, are left with the challenge of differentiating between the few cases of cancer and the many cases of non-malignant disease, but showing identical symptoms. Positive predictive values of symptoms and even severe ones such as rectal bleeding, persistent cough, and loss of weight, do not exceed 10%. Early diagnosis of cancer is considered achievable by increased awareness of the population and physicians through information and education.