cancer screening


cancer screening

The testing of a large group of people for cancers that are common in the group. Screening tests must be inexpensive and, in order to detect all those who are abnormal for the analyte, highly sensitive.

cancer screening

A program to detect cancer, esp. before it metastasizes and threatens life or health. Common screening tools include the use of colonoscopy (for cancers of the large intestine), mammography (to detect breast cancer), and the Pap test (for cancers of the uterine cervix). See also: screening

cancer screening

An attempt to detect cancer early by routine examination of apparently healthy people. Screening methods include the PAP SMEAR TEST, BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION, MAMMOGRAPHY, chest X-ray, sputum tests, and tests for hidden (occult) blood in the stools.