Screening someone with a specific complaint such as a breast mass or a digestive problem will obviously lead to more diagnoses of breast or colon cancer than screening apparently normal, healthy people.
But screening apparently healthy people with no specific complaints to see if a cancer might be discovered has become a significant and popular field of activity. These screening programs could lead to earlier treatment and much higher chances for cure. There are two ways of approaching cancer screening: whole populations can be screened or individual risk assessments can be conducted.
Risk Assessment Some people may be at greater risk to develop cancer. This may be because of their genetic makeup, their exposure to some environmental cancer-causing substance or their having close (first-degree) relatives who have had cancer.
To identify such people, cancer risk assessment programs have been developed at some medical centers. In these programs, the "client" fills out a questionnaire detailing his or her life history, family history, medical history, work history and lifestyle habits. The questionnaire data is fed into a computer and analyzed. A report containing a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the risk of cancer in that particular individual is then produced and given to the "client" and/or a designated physician.
These programs often suggest preventive measures that might be taken, including some medical treatment or lifestyle changes. A history of heavy cigarette smoking, for example, would lead the program to recommend regular chest x-rays and physical examinations, as well as a recommendation to quit smoking. A family history of
