Optometrists as key providers in the prevention and early detection of malignancies

Optometrists have become active in many aspects of primary health care. Opportunities exist for optometrists to join other health care providers in the fight against cancer. The purpose of this article is to review information about cancer epidemiology, describe cancer screening guidelines, and to provide examples of ways for optometrists to become involved in promoting goals for reducing cancer risk and increasing the early detection of cancer. In addition to diagnosing ocular cancers and metastases to the eye and orbital region, optometrists may provide cancer information as part of their case history, provide positive health messages to reduce cancer risk factors, and directly observe signs of skin cancer.