Cancer surveillance. Who stands to benefit?

Currently, surveillance or risk-oriented follow-up of patients in the individual practice setting may be the most efficacious means of reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with selected types of cancer. Intervention into carcinogenesis or alteration of the natural history of cancer requires a clear understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease and patient acceptance of interval surveillance. Because etiologic information and patient compliance are frequently limited, careful scrutiny of recommendations for cancer screening or prevention is essential. It is through taking detailed family, occupational, and carcinogen-exposure histories and doing a thorough physical examination that the primary care physician can best utilize information regarding the risk of cancer and the benefits of available methods of prevention and treatment.