L.16 Cancer Screening Programmes Flashcards
(62 cards)
What is the main purpose of the cancer screening programmes in Ireland?
To reduce cancer burden, provide optimal care, maximise patient involvement and quality of life, and enable system improvements.
These goals follow the 2006 strategy and address rising cancer incidence, infrastructure gaps, and emerging therapies.
Define cancer screening.
Early detection of life-threatening disease in asymptomatic populations.
This definition highlights the focus on identifying cancer before symptoms appear.
List the three population-based cancer screening programmes currently in place.
- Breast
- Cervical
- Colorectal
These programmes are designed for early detection in specific populations.
Are there current recommendations for population-wide prostate and lung cancer screening in Ireland?
No current recommendation for population-wide programmes.
Ongoing research is essential to refine methods and technologies for these types of cancer.
What are the principles of effective screening according to Wilson & Jungner (1968)?
- Disease must be a significant health problem
- Natural history well understood with a detectable early stage
- Test should be appropriate, acceptable, and done at suitable intervals
- Early treatment should offer advantage
- Adequate diagnostic & treatment facilities must be available
- Benefit of screening should outweigh potential harm
- Programme costs should be justified by benefits
These principles ensure that screening is effective and justifiable, particularly for asymptomatic individuals.
What is one objective of cancer screening programmes?
Prevent disease development within the target population.
Other objectives include detecting cancer early when treatment is effective and sometimes screening for risk factors or genetic markers.
Fill in the blank: The first step in implementing a cancer screening programme is to decide the type of screening: _______ vs risk factor identification.
early detection
What should be ensured in evidence-based practice when implementing a cancer screening programme?
- Research international best practices
- Consult WHO/EU guidelines
- Assess local data on prevalence & outcomes
- Review HIQA HTA reports
These steps help in making informed decisions and improving screening effectiveness.
True or False: The benefit of screening should outweigh potential harm.
True
What is a key aspect of the natural history of a disease in effective screening?
It must be well understood with a detectable early stage.
This understanding is crucial for developing effective screening tests.
What is Sensitivity in test performance?
Ability to detect true positives
Formula: True Positive / (True Positive + False Negative)
What is Specificity in test performance?
Ability to correctly identify disease-free individuals
Formula: True Negative / (True Negative + False Positive)
What does Positive Predictive Value (PPV) indicate?
Likelihood that a positive test indicates actual disease
Formula: True Positive / (True Positive + False Positive)
What are key indicators of Programme Performance?
- Reduction in mortality & morbidity
- High population uptake (coverage)
- Regular audits to monitor & improve outcomes
These indicators help assess the effectiveness of screening programmes.
What are the main cancer types involved in histology and cytology?
- Breast Cancer Screening (mammography, biopsy)
- Cervical Cancer Screening (HPV testing, cytology)
- Colorectal Cancer Screening (FOBT, FIT, colonoscopy, biopsy)
These methods are critical for early detection.
What is the role of the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) in Ireland?
Oversee population-based cancer screening programmes aimed at early detection, prevention, and reduction of cancer-related mortality
The NCCP follows evidence-based recommendations.
List the current cancer screening programmes in Ireland.
- Breast Screening — BreastCheck
- Cervical Screening — CervicalCheck
- Colorectal Screening — BowelScreen
These programmes are designed for early detection.
What potential future cancer screening programmes are under consideration in Ireland?
- Prostate Cancer Screening
- Lung Cancer Screening
These programmes are being reviewed based on emerging research and cost-benefit analyses.
What is BreastCheck?
A breast cancer screening program for women aged 50–69 years
Originally targeted women aged 50–64, but extended to 69 by 2021.
What is the aim of BreastCheck?
Detect breast cancer in the asymptomatic, pre-clinical phase
What is the rationale for BreastCheck?
- High prevalence of disease
- Early detection improves treatment outcomes
- Mortality reduction by 20–30%
What screening method does BreastCheck use?
Mammography (X-ray imaging of the breast)
What system is used for organizing BreastCheck screenings?
Organised call and recall system for eligible women
What is the diagnostic follow-up procedure in BreastCheck?
- Trucut biopsy of suspicious lesions
- Histopathological examination for definitive diagnosis
