Early detection of cancer has proven impacts on cancer outcomes through early intervention and treatment. This is enabled through individual risk assessment and tailored cancer screening.
Activities to achieve this 2-year action may include:
In Australia, there are three national, population-based cancer screening programs (for breast,[100] bowel,[101] and cervical[102] cancers). The ongoing assessment of the evidence for population cancer screening initiatives could be broadened to include further population and risk-based screening initiatives. Targeted individual risk assessed screening has the potential to shift the dial for Australians at risk of cancer either due to genetic predisposition or social, cultural, commercial, environmental, and/or behavioural factors (for example, the proposed national lung cancer screening program using low-dose computed tomography scans for people at high risk of lung cancer).
Such initiatives provide a unique opportunity to reduce morbidity and mortality from cancer by focusing on early detection of the disease for those most at risk, and prompt referral for diagnosis and treatment. Ongoing assessment of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of targeted screening initiatives will ensure that overall program benefits outweigh potential harms, and that public funds and resources are spent on the most efficient and cost-effective screening initiatives, based on the best available evidence (Population-Based Screening Framework).[105]
Ongoing assessment of evidence also ensures that the population cancer screening programs are continuously improved, relevant, and aligned to the current evidence base.