Screening for neuroblastoma: Ethical and psychological aspects

General consideration is given to available data on screening and ethics. The particular ethical and psychological aspects of screening for neuroblastoma in very young children are highlighted. Major aspects include differences between screening and curative medecine, responsabilities in screening, autonomy of children and parents, the principle of no harm, implementation procedures, and psychosocial effects. Informed consent procedures are a major issue for neuroblastoma screening programs and have to be clarified during the consensus conference. Med. Pediatr. Oncol. 31:421-425, 1998. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.