Risk-stratified cancer screening involves identifying individuals who should be offered specific cancer screening approaches based on an assessment of their risk of developing certain types of cancer. Current national cancer screening programs identify participants based on age and gender as the primary risk factors.

Risk-stratified screening programs identify individuals based on their unique risk profile, such as family history, genetics, contributing lifestyle behaviours and social and cultural determinants. Personalised, tailored early detection and preventive care advice is provided to consumers, incorporating individual differences in risk, supported by evidence-based guidance and protocols for surveillance of people at high risk of cancer.

Building on Action 1.2.4 Undertake ongoing assessment of the evidence for risk-based, cost-effective population cancer screening, the implementation of this 5-year action has significant potential to increase survival rates and reduce the burden of disease caused by cancer by enabling earlier identification of cancer and referral for appropriate treatment. When compared with current approaches, risk-stratified screening has been shown to reduce deaths from certain cancers, while being cost- effective.[116] Targeted lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for people at high risk of lung cancer has increasingly been shown to effectively reduce deaths from lung cancer.[117]

A robust evidence base is critical to implementing any risk-stratified or targeted cancer screening program.

While it is an emerging approach in screening and early detection, ongoing evidence-gathering is necessary to ensure that any risks, costs and impacts on consumer outcomes and experience, as well as the broader population are thoroughly considered, including an assessment of costs and benefits to the health system.