Cancer screening: Controversies

Abstract

Screening is an important component of primary care practice in the context of early diagnosis and early treatment. However, question of whether to screen patients and choose the most appropriate screening method can be challenging for family physicians. Although clinical studies are there to provide strong evidence about screening methods to clarify international guidelines, robust data on benefits and harms regarding several screening tests are still lacking, and international recommendations are conflicting. This review examines the controversies in cancer screening among the guidelines and emphasizes the importance of considering the profit-loss relationship while making the best decision for the patient/individual.