As the Canadian population continues to age, the incidence of cancer is on the rise. To help alleviate the burden malignancy imposes on our health care system, a shift toward early cancer detection is necessary. Pharmacists are well positioned and willing to assume a more active role in cancer surveillance. Patients are receptive to pharmacist involvement and seem to prefer a convenient community pharmacy–based location for screening programs. The community pharmacist’s current and potential role in cancer screening and prevention is summarized in this article. A review of screening recommendations and a discussion of opportunities will hopefully inspire pharmacists to consider incorporating malignancy screening initiatives into their practice.
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