Psychosocial Impact of Cancer Screening

Abstract Basic and medical science investigations have identified a growing number of factors that predispose to cancer. Risks related to precancerous lesions (Hutchinson et al., 1980) and to occupational exposures (Mason, Prorok, Neeld, & Vogler, 1986) have been researched widely. A variety of population-based and worksite screening programs have been implemented to identify individuals at increased risk for cancer by virtue of these factors. However, such programs are not without psychological costs (Lerman, Rimer, & Engstrom, 1991). The potential psychological sequelae of cancer screening are of particular concern, as these effects can deter adherence to recommended regimens for continued surveillance (Lerman, Rimer, Trock, Balshem, & Engstrom, 1990; Kash, Holland, Halper, & Miller, 1992; Lerman et al., 1993). Despite this, there has been little attention to the psychosocial impact of cancer screening.