Radiological Presymptomatic Surveys in the Diagnosis of Cancer

Abstract

Many techniques, including mass radiography, the gastric camera, mammography and thermography are now available for screening populations for early detection of malignant disease. In some circumstances, e.g. carcinoma of breast or of cervix of uterus, the value of such techniques is undoubted. However, population screening studies are expensive of medical time and of equipment, and in this country relatively few screening programmes have been carried out. Greater efforts in finance and manpower devoted to such schemes might be most rewarding and in the long-term both lighten the burden on the medical profession and improve the well-being of the community.