Key components of national cancer screening programs and role of primary care?

Key components of national cancer screening programs include systematic identification and invitation of eligible populations, use of validated screening tests (such as mammography for breast cancer), and surveillance strategies tailored to risk levels, including genetic risk assessment and appropriate imaging modalities. For example, the NHS Breast Screening Programme offers mammographic surveillance to women aged 50 and over, with additional surveillance for those at moderate or high risk based on family history or genetic mutations like BRCA1/2 or TP53 ¹.

Screening programs also incorporate safety netting strategies to ensure follow-up of abnormal or inconclusive results and to monitor individuals with symptoms that do not meet immediate referral criteria ².

Role of primary care in these programs involves identifying eligible individuals, providing information and education about screening benefits and risks, facilitating access to screening services, and ensuring appropriate follow-up of screening results. Primary care professionals are responsible for safety netting by reviewing and acting on investigation results, arranging timely referrals when cancer is suspected, and supporting patients while awaiting specialist assessment ². They also engage in continuing education to improve early cancer recognition and communication with secondary care to expedite urgent referrals when necessary ².