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Screening for cancer. Is it worth it?

¹Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, USA.

The Western Journal of Medicine

|August 1, 1995

Summary

Diagnosing cancer promptly may not improve cure rates as cancer spread often occurs simultaneously with carcinogenesis. Focus should shift to cancer prevention and better treatment for existing cancers.

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Area of Science:

Oncology
Tumor Biology
Cancer Research

Background:

The common belief is that delayed cancer diagnosis significantly reduces cure chances.
This perception is challenged by modern understanding of cancer's natural history.

Purpose of the Study:

To re-evaluate the impact of diagnostic delays on cancer patient outcomes.
To question the efficacy of early detection through screening as a primary cure strategy.

Main Methods:

Review of established and recent precepts in clinical oncology.
Analysis of tumor biology and cancer dissemination processes.

Main Results:

Cancer dissemination is primarily determined by the inherent characteristics of the neoplasm, not diagnostic delay.
Carcinogenesis and dissemination are largely simultaneous biological processes.
Overemphasis on screening may lead to iatrogenic harm, outweighing benefits.

Conclusions:

Efforts should prioritize primary cancer prevention and reversal of preneoplastic conditions.
Improving therapeutic strategies for established cancers is crucial.
Rethinking the reliance on screening for cure is necessary.

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