Cancer Patient Screening Process
1. Purpose of Cancer Screening
Cancer screening aims to detect cancer at an early, treatable stage — often before symptoms appear.
Early detection can save lives by enabling prompt treatment and reducing complications.
2. Step-by-Step Screening Process
Step 1:
Patient Registration & Risk Assessment
Personal details are collected (age, gender, family history, lifestyle).
Risk factors are evaluated, such as:
Smoking or tobacco use
Alcohol consumption
Obesity or poor diet
Genetic predisposition
Occupational exposures (chemicals, radiation, etc.)
Patients at high risk are prioritized for detailed screening.
Step 2: Medical & Family History Review
Review of:
Past illnesses or surgeries
Any previous abnormal test results
Family history of cancer (parents, siblings, grandparents)
Helps identify which type of cancer screening is most appropriate.
Step 3: Physical Examination
General health check-up by a physician or oncologist.
Physical signs may include:
Lumps or swelling
Skin changes or lesions
Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
Abnormal bleeding or pain
Step 4: Screening Tests (Based on Cancer Type)
Cancer Type Common Screening Tests
Breast Cancer ------ Mammogram, Breast Self-Exam, Clinical Breast Exam
Cervical Cancer ------ Pap Smear Test, HPV Test
Colorectal Cancer ------ Colonoscopy, Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
Prostate Cancer ------ PSA Blood Test, Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Lung Cancer ------- Low-Dose CT Scan (for smokers/high-risk individuals)
Oral Cancer ------- Visual oral exam, Biopsy (if needed)
Skin Cancer ------ Full-body skin check, Dermoscopy
Ovarian Cancer ------ Pelvic Exam, Transvaginal Ultrasound, CA-125 Test
Step 5: Diagnostic Confirmation (if abnormal results found)
If a screening test detects abnormalities:
Imaging tests – MRI, CT, PET scans, Ultrasound
Biopsy – a small tissue sample is examined under a microscope
Blood tests – to identify tumor markers or abnormal cell counts
Step 6: Reporting & Follow-up
Test results are reviewed by oncologists and shared with the patient.
If cancer is detected or suspected:
Patient is referred to an Oncology Specialist for treatment planning.
If no abnormality is found:
The patient is advised on preventive measures and future screening schedules (e.g., annual or biannual checkups).
Step 7: Counseling and Education
Patients receive information on:
Healthy diet and lifestyle
Avoiding risk factors (tobacco, alcohol, etc.)
Importance of regular screening and self-exams
Emotional and psychological support resources
3. Screening Outcome Categories
✅ Negative / Normal: No signs of cancer; follow routine screening schedule.
⚠️ Abnormal / Suspicious: Further diagnostic tests required.
❌ Positive: Confirmed cancer diagnosis; proceed to staging and treatment planning.
