Screening and diagnosis
Screening seeks to identify who may need further investigation. Assessing someone with signs or symptoms addresses a different diagnostic question. An abnormal screening result generally requires confirmation.
The complete strategy
A programme involves a population, interval, test and access to subsequent steps. Benefits and harms depend on that pathway. False results, procedures and overdiagnosis must be considered alongside desired outcomes.
Reading a proposal
Check whom the evidence concerns, the comparison and the observation period. Findings in selected groups do not establish benefit for the whole population. Individual indications require an assessment not provided by this entry.
Interpretation limits
Detecting more cases or diagnosing earlier does not by itself demonstrate reduced mortality.
Original references
Continue exploring
Research questions
Select tools by method, population and purpose. A thematic connection does not validate use in every case.
Educational content for framing research. Consult the original document, study population and methodology before interpreting a conclusion. Methodology