Cancer Screening: A Practical Guide for Physicians

Aziz K, Wu GY (eds). Cancer screening: a practical guide for physicians. Totowa, NJ. Humana Press, 2002, 324 pages, $89 hardcover.

Despite major advances in the treatment of cancer, prevention remains the best method of control. Here, an international panel of experts describe screening techniques and provide concise summaries of current guidelines.

In addition, they discuss the epidemiology and biology of various cancers, including breast, cervical, ovarian, endometrial, colorectal, hepatocellular, oropharyngeal, esophageal, gastric, prostate, testicular, skin, and lung; sensitivity and specificity of the screening methods; cost-effectiveness; and indications for referral.

One section is devoted to future prospects in cancer screening, such as the application of molecular genetics and new radiologic techniques.

Another section addresses medicolegal issues. Also included are screening techniques used in countries with a high incidence of certain types of cancer (eg, stomach cancer in Japan, esophageal cancer in China). Numerous algorithms provide step-by-step overviews of screening, evaluation, and surveillance.