Cancer screening can detect cancer early, when it is most treatable.

Screening tests can also identify pre-cancerous lesions, which can be treated before they turn into cancer.

False positives and false negatives are possible with cancer screening tests.

 False positives can lead to unnecessary anxiety and follow-up tests, which can be invasive and expensive.

 False negatives can give patients a false sense of security, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

The risks and benefits of cancer screening vary depending on the individual and the type of cancer being screened for.

 Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of screening with their healthcare provider, taking into account their personal medical history, family history, and other factors.

Patients should also consider their own values and preferences when making a decision about cancer screening.

Over-screening can lead to over-diagnosis and over-treatment of cancers that would never have caused symptoms or harm.

Patients should be aware of the potential risks and downsides of cancer screening, but not be scared away from it entirely as it can be an important tool for detecting cancer early.

Bringing Informed Decision-Making to Cancer Screening