Diagnostic Procedure
cancer screening
can·cer screen·ing [ kan-ser skree-ning ]
Definitions related to screening for cancer:
  • (cancer screening) Clinical testing designed to identify the presence of a specific cancer in an asymptomatic individual or population thought to be at risk of that specific cancer. The intent is to find cancers at the earliest possible stage in their development, in order to improve the chances for disease cure.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • (cancer screening) Procedures performed on people to identify those who have NEOPLASMS or PRENEOPLASTIC CONDITIONS.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • (cancer screening) The use of any device, marker, or other means for the purpose of detecting the presence of a tumor, usually before there are any symptoms.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Cancer can sometimes be detected in asymptomatic patients via regular physical examinations and screening tests.
    Merck Manuals
    Merck & Co., Inc., 2025
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