Cancer screening
The purpose of cancer screening is to find cancers before they cause symptoms.
Screening is only used for certain types of cancer where there is a proven benefit from a safe and accurate test that can be used in a large number of people who do not have any symptoms.
What is cancer screening?
The purpose of cancer screening is to find cancers before they cause symptoms. This is important because cancers found early have better outcomes.
Screening is only used for certain types of cancer where there is a test that can be used in a large number of people. These screening tests look for abnormalities that could be signs of cancer.
Screening programs
Screening programs are government-funded programs which offer free screening to large numbers of people.
In Australia, there are cancer screening programs for breast, bowel and cervical cancers:
- BreastScreen Australia
- National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP)
- National Cervical Screening Program.
Screening abnormalities
If an abnormality is found, this does not always mean the person has cancer. They will need further tests to find out.
What happens next will depend on the type of screening:
Breast screening – the woman will be contacted to return for further tests. These can include a breast ultrasound, clinical breast examination and a needle biopsy. If required their GP will be notified and asked to refer them to a specialist.
Cervical screening – the GP will contact the person and refer them to a specialist for a colposcopy.
Bowel screening – the GP will refer them for further tests, including a colonoscopy. If cancer is diagnosed they will be referred to a specialist.
Screening in high risk groups
Some people have a higher than normal risk of getting certain cancers. These people may need different types of screening.
If you have a strong family history of cancer, or an abnormal gene that increases your risk of cancer, talk to your doctor about what screening you should do.
Other resources we recommend
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Cancer Council Mon-Fri 9am-5pm13 11 20
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Breast Screen NSW Mon-Fri 8am-5pm13 20 50
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Cervical screening Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm1800 627 701
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Bowel screening Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm1800 627 701