An information system with good records is required to assure follow-up of positives so that they may be diagnosed and treated quickly and appropriately. The system sends out invitations for initial screening and recalls individuals for repeat screening. It then follows those who test positive. It also monitors and evaluates the program. But screening that concentrates only on high risk groups is rarely justified since such groups are only a small proportion of a country s cancer burden.
Countries vary in how they carry out screening.
Some use organized screening programs while others use cancer detection as a part of routine medical practice. Yet others just encourage people to get specific tests at regular intervals. But the research shows that only organized mass screening programs significantly impact national cancer burden.