What is the primary purpose of routine cancer screenings?

The primary purpose of routine cancer screenings is to ensure early detection and treatment of cancers. Early detection is crucial because it often leads to better outcomes. When cancers are identified at an earlier stage, they are generally more treatable and manageable, which can significantly improve a patient’s prognosis. Screening tests are designed to find cancer before symptoms appear, allowing for interventions that may prevent progression and improve survival rates.

While reducing healthcare costs, preventing the need for advanced treatments, and monitoring hereditary cancer markers are important aspects of cancer care and management, their roles are secondary to the immediate goal of identifying cancer early. Early detection focuses specifically on discovering cancer when it is most treatable, which directly relates to improving patient outcomes through timely medical interventions.