Screening concerns people without symptoms
Routine screening aims to identify disease before symptoms are noticed. Early diagnosis addresses signs or symptoms that already exist. INCA distinguishes these approaches; one should not be used as a substitute for the other.
Discuss the personal context
Age, health history, risk factors and current guidance can affect a screening discussion. Ask the healthcare professional responsible for your care which recommendation applies to you, what an examination can show and what its limitations are.
An existing change needs its own assessment
If you have noticed a new or persistent change, explain that concern through an appropriate clinical route. Waiting for a routine screening invitation is a different decision from seeking assessment of a symptom. This page cannot determine the right investigation for an individual person.
Further reading: INCA: early detection and screening. General information; individual decisions require professional assessment.
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