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The core function of the Screening Group (SCR) at IARC is to provide data on the accuracy, reproducibility, efficacy, benefits, harmful effects, and cost-effectiveness of various early detection interventions for breast, cervical, colorectal, and oral cancers, among others, in reducing deaths and improving patients’ quality of life in various settings. These data can then be used to inform and improve the rational use of health-care resources. The Group’s ultimate objective is to guide the development of public health policies for implementing screening in a variety of health-care settings, in particular in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

SCR conducts field studies in LMICs to evaluate various early detection methods for breast, cervical, colorectal, and oral cancer control. These initiatives also address the means by which screening services could be scaled up through local public health services. SCR develops various training resources to catalyse and augment capacity building in close collaboration with national institutions and government health services. Through its research programme, SCR generates scientific evidence to support the development of resource-appropriate early detection policies and health systems for the delivery of effective early services. The Cancer Screening in 5 Continents (CanScreen5) project of the Group aims to collect information on characteristics and performance of cancer screening programmes around the world and disseminate such information for informed decision making in cancer screening programmes. For example, the Group significantly contributed also to the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of less than three doses of the HPV vaccine in protecting against cervical cancer.