[Ethical considerations in the evolution of organised cancer screening programs]

Ethical considerations in the evolution of organised cancer screening programs Since 2009, the French National Cancer Institute has set up a working group on the ethics of screening programs for breast, colon and cervical cancer. Collective and individual interest, equity and respect for autonomy are the values addressed in the respective reports. Ethical analysis has highlighted issues that are specific to each programme: the importance of the information provided by health professionals in a context of uncertainty for breast cancer screening; health professionals as a relay of information, access to test and support in the colorectal cancer screening process and, for cervical cancer screening, the implementation of an organisation adapted to women populations concerned. A public health policy whose efficiency depends on the public's adhesion of screening proposals must respect a fundamental ethical principle, namely the assessment of the benefit/risk balance.