Priority 2: Secondary Prevention

Secondary prevention focuses on the early detection and control of cancer through cancer screening. The goal of cancer screening is to find cancer, or abnormal cells that may become cancer, before it causes symptoms and when it may be easier to treat successfully. For almost all types of cancer, better results are seen when treatment is started as early as possible, which is why screening is so important.

Professional organizations recommend screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers. Lung cancer screening is recommended for certain adults who are at high risk due to their smoking history and age. It is also recommended that age-eligible patients have shared decision-making conversations with their providers about the risks and benefits of prostate- specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer. The Cancer Plan emphasizes evidence-based screening recommendations and shared decision making to increase appropriate cancer screenings. 

Secondary Prevention Goal: Ensure everyone in Massachusetts understands their risk factors for cancer and has equitable access to cancer screenings and follow-up care according to best practice guidelines.

Objective 1: Increase the percentage of currently eligible patients who have received lung cancer screening within the previous year by 5% by 2029.

Objective 2: Increase the colorectal cancer screening rate by 5%, focusing on priority populations with low screening rates, by 2029.

Objective 3: Increase cervical cancer screening rates in MA by 5%, particularly for priority populations with low screening rates, by 2029.

Objective 4: Increase the percentage of patients aged 50 and older who have discussed the benefits and potential harms of prostate cancer screening with their provider by 5% by 2029.

Objective 5: Increase breast cancer screening rates by 5%, particularly for priority populations with low screening rates and/or higher breast cancer mortality rates, by 2029.