Screening
Cancer screening tests are systematically developed to identify malignancies at an early, asymptomatic phase, wherein therapeutic intervention is most likely to yield positive outcomes. A screening test is deemed effective when it:
- Discerns neoplasms in their initial stages of progression.
- Significantly reduces mortality associated with cancer in populations engaged in regular screening practices.
- Generates an overall advantage that supersedes potential adverse effects, which may include physical complications (e.g., hemorrhage or tissue damage), false-positive or false-negative outcomes, and the implications of overdiagnosis and overtreatment, particularly in cases where tumors that would not have manifested clinically are unnecessarily identified and treated.
This equilibrium between early identification and mitigating harm is fundamental to the scientific validity of any cancer screening initiative.
Effective and Recommended Cancer Screening Tests
Numerous cancer screening modalities are substantiated by empirical evidence demonstrating their efficacy in early cancer detection, mitigation of cancer-associated mortality, and advantages that significantly surpass potential adverse effects.
- Oral and head & neck cancers (especially in tobacco, betel nut, or alcohol users).
- Breast cancer.
- Cervical cancer.
- Colorectal (colon and rectal) cancer.
- Lung cancer (in high-risk individuals, such as long-term smokers).
In addition, screening may be recommended or considered for selected populations at increased risk for:
- Prostate cancer.
- Liver cancer (in individuals with chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis).
- Skin cancer (in high-risk individuals).
These screening methodologies facilitate the early identification of malignancies, enhance therapeutic outcomes, and ultimately contribute to the preservation of life. At Shifa Social Welfare, the Cancer Screening Program is executed by specialists in their respective domains, who also design validated screening instruments and evidence-based algorithms. The program is further fortified by the integration of a patient advocate, ensuring that all screening methodologies remain patient-centered, ethically sound, and in accordance with the highest clinical guidelines.
Dr. Sharjeel Chaudhry, in his role as Director of the Cancer Prevention Program and as a Head and Neck Pathologist, specializes in oncology, genetic disorders, and systemic conditions affecting the head and neck region. With a strong background in molecular diagnostics, research methodology, and precision medicine. He serves as Head of the Cancer Prevention Program, where he supervises strategic planning, the incorporation of molecular diagnostics, and the execution of precision medicine strategies, contributing to improved cancer prevention, early detection, and patient-centred care outcomes. Dr Chaudhry also serves as Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Oral and Molecular Translational Medicine, where he leads the journal’s scientific direction, peer-review standards, and publication ethics. He is actively involved in research, with a strong academic portfolio that includes more than 25 research publications, 3 authored books, and 4 book chapters.
Dr Zarmina Ehtesham, serving as Associate Director, applies her expertise in pathology and clinical evaluation to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of screening protocols, thereby bolstering evidence-based decision-making.
Small Gifts, Big Changes
Empowering Lives Through Early Cancer Screening
OUR TEAM
Cancer Screening & Prevention
Program Experts
Dr Zarmina Ehtesham
Dr Muhammad Yamin Chaudhry
Patient Advocates
