Average-risk screening: is public policy compatible with individual needs?
The issue of the appropriateness of population-based screening for colorectal cancer has been much debated in the literature. The purpose of screening is to find early-stage disease among average-risk members of the population so that timely treatment may be implemented and mortality reduced. The goal of public policies regarding screening should be to facilitate this result. The adequacy of current public policy for reduction of colorectal cancer mortality is the main focus of this article.
Levin
B
B
Division of Cancer Prevention, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Hawley
S T
ST
D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011050:Policy Making; D018570:Risk Assessment