Article VI states that:
It is an uncontested fact that early detection of cancer for any or all of the two hundred or more varieties, leads to a better outcome for the patient. Importantly, the treatment of several recognizable pre-cancerous conditions also can prevent cancer. Fear and ignorance of signs and symptoms of cancer or precancerous conditions are common, however, and by its nature cancer can be insidious and difficult to detect without a screening intervention. It is also known that early detection is particularly important for those people at high risk of cancer, due to lifestyle, environment, occupation, family predisposition or low socio-economic status.
Recognition that the earliest symptoms of cancer can be confused with common illnesses further emphasizes the need for effective screening and attentive medical diagnosis. Screening methodology to identify cancer early can extend from simple observation, laboratory tests and x-ray examinations to more sophisticated examinations, all of which have proven value in the early detection of several cancers. In addition to education about cancer prevention, implementation of screenings programs – within economic possibilities – should be a prime objective to reduce the cancer burden. These screening programs must be coupled with access to quality treatment in order to be effective.
The parties undertake to accelerate the development and widespread application of proven and emerging screening technologies, such that all individuals who might benefit from screening will do so, irrespective of race or socio-economic status.
How have early detection methods and screening technologies developed since the singing of the Charter?
Early detection has proven key in cancer prevention. While not all cancers are preventable, early detection has proven to significantly improves patient outcomes. Understanding the affected demographics and knowing the risk factors has been instrumental in setting up appropriate guidelines for education and screening processes.
Diagnostic processes such as low-dose CT scans for lung cancer, mammograms for breast cancer, pap smears for cervical cancer, blood tests, and regular examinations for prostate cancer are used as early detection methods. Other forms of cancer currently do not have adequate screening methods, therefore it is still recommended to visit a doctor for testing if you suspect anything.
Accessibility to screening methods is not universal. In some developed countries, it can depend on your insurance coverage, as not all providers will cover it. For example in the United States, the Affordable Care Act requires providers to cover the costs associated with some cancer screening tests, however, certain health plans are grandfathered in and therefore might not offer the same coverage. Europe has a Beating Cancer Plan that was launched in 2021 with the goal of the plan being to address cancer through prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, and quality of life for cancer patients and survivors. It includes initiatives to reduce cancer inequalities and improve cancer care across the EU.
For the lower-income regions that do not have the infrastructure to offer regular screenings, there are initiatives like the Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon Initiative that bring screening opportunities for breast and cervical cancer to less developed areas.