About this course

Cancer screening is the performance of an examination on an asymptomatic individual to prevent death and suffering from the disease in question through early therapeutic intervention. There are different cancers that could present subclinically and can be detected early through appropriate screening tests. With early detection, early management can be initiated. This e-learning module summarizes the characteristics of a screening test, the basics of cancer screening, and discusses the different cancer screening guidelines.

Learning outcomes

• Define cancer screening and its requirements
• Differentiate screening and diagnostic tests
• Determine the characteristics of a screening test
• Discuss different cancer screening guidelines

Topics covered

• Definition of cancer screening
• Performance characteristics of a screening test
• Assessing a screening test
• Cancer screening guidelines for: breast, cervical, ovarian, colorectal, lung, prostate and skin cancer

Keywords: cancer screening, early detection, screening recommendations