What is the main purpose of cancer screening?

The main purpose of cancer screening is to detect cancer early when it is more treatable. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and can lead to better outcomes for patients. Screening tests are designed to identify cancers or precancerous conditions before symptoms appear. By catching these issues early, interventions can be undertaken, which may involve less aggressive treatments compared to those needed when cancer is diagnosed at a more advanced stage.

While some options may focus on treatment or prevention, the fundamental goal of screening is early detection. This is particularly crucial for cancers that may not show symptoms until they have progressed to a more advanced and less treatable stage. Effective screening programs, such as mammograms for breast cancer or colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, exemplify how early detection can impact survival rates and overall prognosis.