Why cancer screening saves lives
Our lifetime risk of cancer is now close to 1 in 2. That statistic is hard to ignore. Most of us know someone who has been affected by cancer, whether a family member, friend or colleague. Cancer does not discriminate. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, background or lifestyle.
As a consultant medical oncologist, I care for people with both early and advanced cancers. One thing is consistently clear: cancers found at an early stage are far easier to treat and have much higher cure rates. Early detection saves lives.
What is cancer screening?
Cancer screening involves tests designed to look for signs of cancer before symptoms appear. This is important because many cancers cause no noticeable symptoms in their early stages.
By detecting cancer earlier, screening may increase the chance of successful treatment, reduce the need for intensive therapies and improve long-term outcomes. However, screening does not diagnose cancer on its own and is not appropriate for everyone.
Why early cancer detection matters
In a message supporting Stand Up To Cancer, King Charles III said:
“Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.”
He also reflected on his own experience:
“I know from my own experience that a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Yet I also know that early detection is the key that can transform treatment journeys, giving invaluable time to medical teams and, to their patients, the precious gift of hope.”
For many people, cancer screening can feel confusing, frightening or even embarrassing. That is why it is so important to demystify the tests available and understand what they involve.
Who should have cancer screening?
Screening recommendations vary depending on age, sex, lifestyle, medical history and family history of cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors.
In the UK, the NHS offers national screening programmes, and you can check which ones you are eligible for on the NHS screening pages. This represents the minimum level of screening recommended for the general population.
If you have additional risk factors, you may benefit from further or more targeted tests. This is best discussed with a doctor who can guide you based on your individual risk profile.
Types of cancer screening tests
Blood-based tests
Some cancers release proteins or genetic material into the bloodstream that can be detected with blood tests. A common example is PSA testing for prostate cancer.
More recently, multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood tests have been developed. These tests aim to identify cancer signals by detecting circulating tumour DNA or other cancer-related markers. Technologies vary, and this remains an important and evolving area of cancer research.
Imaging tests (scans)
Imaging plays a key role in cancer detection. Different scans are used depending on the organ being assessed, including ultrasound, X-ray, CT and MRI.
Some imaging techniques use radiation, such as X-rays and CT scans. When used repeatedly, radiation exposure can slightly increase cancer risk. For this reason, choosing the right scan at the right time is important and should always involve a discussion with a doctor about risks and benefits.
Camera tests (endoscopy)
Endoscopy allows doctors to look directly inside the body using a thin, flexible camera. A common example is colonoscopy, which examines the large bowel.
Other endoscopic procedures can assess the stomach, oesophagus, bladder or womb. Although many people feel nervous about these tests, most tolerate them well when properly prepared. Sedation is commonly used to ensure comfort. Understanding what to expect beforehand can significantly reduce anxiety.
Cervical screening (smear tests)
Cervical screening checks the health of the cervix using a simple test that collects cells with a soft brush. The sample is analysed for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which are responsible for over 99 percent of cervical cancers.
In England, cervical screening is offered to anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 64, with recall intervals of three to five years depending on age. Many people delay screening because it feels embarrassing or inconvenient, but attending appointments can be life-saving.
Are there any downsides to cancer screening?
No screening test is perfect. False positive results can lead to anxiety and further investigations that ultimately show no cancer. False negative results can also occur, providing reassurance when cancer is not actually present.
This is why expert guidance is essential, both when choosing appropriate tests and when interpreting results. Screening should complement, not replace, awareness of your body and prompt medical review of new or persistent symptoms.
A proactive approach to your health
Your health is ultimately in your hands. As an oncologist, I strongly believe that regular, appropriate cancer screening saves lives and improves outcomes when used thoughtfully and in the right context.
Early-onset cancers are becoming more common. In clinical practice, I now care for people in their 20s, 30s and 40s with new cancer diagnoses. That reality is why screening and prevention matter. If you have already been diagnosed with bowel or rectal cancer, Dr Murphy treats bowel and rectal cancer at Harley Street and Cromwell Hospital.
As King Charles III said:
“A few moments of minor inconvenience are a small price to pay for the reassurance that comes for most people, or for some, the chance of early detection and life-saving treatment.”
For common questions about cancer screening, test accuracy and eligibility, see OncoChecks.