Cancer is a major cause of illness and death in the U.S. About one half of one million people die of cancer each year in the United States. An estimated 3 percent to 35 percent of all cancer deaths could be avoided through early detection with screening.

Screening is a means of finding early cancers in people who have no symptoms. Examples include cervical Pap smears, manual breast exams, fecal blood tests, and sigmoidoscopies. In many kinds of cancer, by the time that there are symptoms, the cancer is too far advanced to achieve a cure. Screening is done to sort out persons who are a high risk of cancer, from those who are not. To be useful, the screening test must detect cancers before symptoms would cause a person to seek care. Also, there must be evidence that early treatment would result in an improved outcome. Screening tests point out persons who are suspicious for the presence of cancer and those who are not. There are some cancers where screening does not appear to be useful.

After a positive cancer screening, more diagnostic tests are performed. These tests may include imaging procedures, biopsies and laboratory work. It is important to follow up any positive screening with a full diagnostic work-up.

Some individuals are known to be at high risk for cancer. Factors that might place one at high risk include:
* a strong family history of cancer,
* known occupational exposure to cancer-causing substances,
* lifestyle factors such as smoking status, dietary patterns, and history of viral infections, and
* previous cancers.

If you have been told that you are a high risk for a specific cancer, ask you healthcare provider what steps you need to take. The sooner a cancer is caught, the better the outcome. How far a cancer had progressed will determine the likely survival time or rate of cure. See your healthcare provider for advice about your cancer risk factors, and how often you should have screening exams. For more information contact the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 or the National Cancer Institute at (800) 4-CANCER.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go