Home Cancer Information Library Why isn’t screening recommended for some cancers?

Why isn’t screening recommended for some cancers?

Different types of cancers develop in unique ways.

There are more than 200 different types of cancer that can develop throughout the body, each with unique ways of behaving and growing. In Australia, regular screening is recommended for the early detection of many common types of cancer. Bowel cancer screening, breast cancer screening, and skin cancer screening are all commonly performed.

Although screening for these cancers has proven to be very effective, screening is not as successful for all cancer types.

With 1 in 2 Australians diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85, it’s never been more important to understand the types of cancer screening recommended in Australia and the benefits and risks.

Why is cancer screening performed?

Cancer screening tests are used to find cancers at an early stage before they have grown, spread or caused symptoms. Detecting cancers at this very early stage means that treatment is more likely to be effective.

Cancer screening tests may also have other benefits, such as reducing your anxiety about cancer and potentially detecting other health problems.

What cancer screening is available in Australia? What cancer screening is available in Australia?

There are three National Cancer Screening Programs available in Australia:

  • The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) – This free screening program invites all eligible Australians between the ages of 50 and 74 to undertake a bowel screening test every two years. The home screening test, called an immunochemical faecal occult blood test, checks for very small amounts of blood in the faeces that could be a sign of bowel cancer
  • The National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) – As part of the NCSP, all Australians with a cervix who are aged from 25 to 74 years are invited to receive a HPV screening test every five years. This test aims to detect the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause the development of pre-cancerous cell changes in the cervix
  • The National Breast Screening Program (NBP) – This breast cancer screening program invites women aged between 50 and 74 years to receive a free mammogram every two years. Mammograms are performed to detect breast cancer early, when they can’t be identified using self-examination

These programs are population-based cancer screening programs. This type of screening program is only recommended when there is good evidence that the screening test is likely to find cancer early before symptoms develop and when there is effective treatment for early stage cancer.

The tests offered through these programs are carefully chosen as there must be a positive benefit to risk ratio established before a population-based screening program can be implemented.

Depending on your personal situation and health needs, your doctor may recommend other types of cancer screening tests alongside a physical examination such as:

  • PSA tests for prostate cancer
  • Skin cancer checks
  • Bowel screening tests, such as colonoscopy
  • Blood tests

 

What is overscreening of cancer?

Overscreening refers to screening for cancer too regularly, screening in people who are not at increased risk of cancer or screening where there is no proven health benefit. Overscreening can potentially lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment of early stage cancers. For example, cancer screening tests may sometimes find cancer that would never have caused problems if left undetected. In turn, this can cause unnecessary anxiety and invasive follow up tests that come with their own set of risks.

Cancer screening is not recommended for all types of cancer. This is because:

  • The cancer may grow so slowly that it would never cause problems or affect a person’s life expectancy
  • The cancer may be so rare that the chance of it being found by screening is very low
  • The cancer screening test may cause more harm than good
  • There is no cancer screening test available

Cancer screening is only recommended if the cancer:

  • Is relatively common and treatment can improve the chance of successful treatment
  • Grows relatively quickly and is likely to cause symptoms
  • Can be found at an early stage
  • Is likely to be successfully treated if diagnosed at an early stage

Screening after cancer treatment

Once cancer treatment has ended, your doctor may recommend a range of follow up tests including cancer “screening” (often referred to as surveillance or follow up) to check if your cancer has returned (or recurred).

Although the likelihood of some types of cancer recurring is becoming lower, there is a chance that cancer can come back months or years after treatment has finished.

Learn more about cancer recurrence

Screening based on your risk of cancer

Typically, the cancer screening you receive will depend on your individual circumstances and cancer risk factors. If you have a known cancer risk factor, such as a family history of cancer, your doctor may recommend that you start cancer screening tests at a younger age or have more regular cancer screening tests. General risk factors for cancer include:

  • Older age
  • Lifestyle factors, such as being overweight or alcohol use
  • A past history or family history of cancer
  • Exposure to certain chemicals and carcinogens (such as tobacco or asbestos)
  • Certain viruses, bacteria and parasites
  • Exposure to radiation, including from the sun

Cancer screening is an important tool that helps many Australians receive an early diagnosis of cancer, improving their chance of successful treatment.

To ensure any cancer is detected as early as possible, we encourage you to talk to your doctor about which screening tests are right for you. Contact the experts at Icon for more information on early cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The content found on the Icon Cancer Centre website is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. It is not a substitute for consulting with a qualified medical professional. Our website is designed to provide information and support to the general public. Please be mindful that we do not dispense medical advice, and for personalised medical guidance, we strongly advise you to consult with a qualified medical professional or doctor.

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