Advantages and disadvantages of screening.

Sample Answer

Screening, in a healthcare context, involves testing seemingly healthy individuals to identify those who might have an undetected condition, distinguishing them from those who likely do not. The goal is often to catch diseases early, before symptoms appear, when treatment may be more effective or less invasive. However, like any medical intervention, screening comes with a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Screening

Early Detection and Improved Outcomes: The most significant advantage of screening is its potential to detect diseases at an early stage. For conditions like certain cancers (e.g., breast, cervical, colorectal cancer) or chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension), early detection often means that treatment can begin sooner, leading to better prognosis, higher survival rates, and less aggressive interventions. For example, finding precancerous lesions through cervical cancer screening can allow for their removal before they develop into invasive cancer.