Which screening might be appropriate?
Recommendations consider age, the organs you have, previous results, personal and family history, smoking history and overall health. Depending on your situation, discussion may include breast, cervical, colorectal or lung screening. Not everyone needs every test. Some people at higher inherited risk need a different plan; prostate screening also requires a discussion of potential benefits and harms.
Weigh benefits and possible harms
Screening can find some cancers earlier, and certain tests detect precancerous changes that can be treated. It can also produce false alarms, miss a cancer, or find a cancer that would never have caused harm. Follow-up procedures carry their own risks. An abnormal screening result does not necessarily mean cancer, but it needs appropriate follow-up.
A blood-test package is not a complete cancer check
Tumor-marker blood tests can help in selected cancer care situations, but generally do not work well as broad screening tests for people without symptoms. Normal markers cannot exclude cancer, and high markers may have non-cancer causes. Claims about newer tests that detect multiple cancers also need careful assessment of evidence, follow-up and possible harms.
Prepare for a screening and risk-assessment consultation
Dr. Minhem offers consultations to discuss cancer risk, appropriate screening and referrals. Bring previous screening reports and, if known, which relatives had cancer and their ages at diagnosis. Discuss which tests are relevant, when to repeat them and how results will be followed up. If you have symptoms, tell the doctor: you need an assessment of those symptoms, not only routine screening.
Questions to ask at your consultation
- Which screening tests are appropriate for my personal risk?
- What are the likely benefits and harms of each option?
- Who will explain my results and arrange any necessary follow-up?
Discuss your questions
Review your personal and family history, previous screening results and questions with Dr. Minhem. The consultation can clarify which screening and referrals are appropriate for you.
Outside Beirut? Video consultations are available.
Request a video consultationSodeco Square, Block B, 6th Floor, Beirut
Tayouneh clinic and appointments
Both clinics see patients by appointment, with flexible scheduling. Confirm a suitable time before visiting.
Related guides
Browse all patient guidesPatient information sources
General patient information; your medical team can explain how it applies to you.
Sources checked: 4 October 2026.
This guide provides general information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment plan. For urgent symptoms, seek medical care rather than waiting for an appointment request.