Funding is important for implementation but is not a primary epidemiological criterion.

Screening effectiveness depends on disease characteristics, not who pays for it.

Primary criteria for an effective disease screening program include:

• High prevalence in the target population – screening is more useful when the disease is relatively common.

• Effective early treatment available – early detection should improve outcomes.

• Significant health consequences – the disease should have serious impact if not detected early.

  
  

  Last updated question 28 feb 2026