Screening for asymptomatic cancers

The overall age-adjusted cancer mortality rate in the United States declined by approximately 3.1% between 1990 and 1995. Prevention efforts and improved medical care were key factors in that success, and cancer screening will continue to be crucial in the campaign against the disease. The responsibility for screening patients for asymptomatic ovarian, cervical, skin, testicular, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers lies chiefly with primary care physicians. Although no consensus has been reached, primary care physicians can review major screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society, American College of Physicians, US Preventive Services Task Force, and other groups to determine when such screening is appropriate.