ABSTRACT
Population screening is a set of actions performed on the general population in order to detect disease in its latent phase, that is before it manifests clinically, with the purpose of improving treatment efficacy and reducing mortality. To be part of a screening program, a disease must meet a series of criteria that justify its application. Screening tests provide a presumed diagnosis, but additional supplementary tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Recommendations for screening tests must take into account both their benefits and potential adverse effects, with the application of strict criteria that ensure their quality. The scientific evidence currently available supports the application of massive population screenings of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers. Whether the inclusion of new strategies for other types of cancer might justify the implementation of new screening programs in the near future is still under discussion.
