Introduction

 

The first sign that you could have cancer may come from a routine screening test (such as a mammogram or colonoscopy), a health exam to identify the cause of a symptom or problem, or a procedure to treat another condition. 

If your doctor believes that you could have cancer, he or she will order several different kinds of tests to confirm that you have cancer and not another disease or condition, identify the kind of cancer you have, and find out how far the cancer has spread. After using these tests to diagnose, or identify, your cancer, your doctor might use more tests to find the best treatments for your disease, track your treatment progress, and monitor your overall health.

Explore the links in the column to the right to learn about cancer screening and diagnosis, the various tests you may need, and important questions to ask about your diagnosis and testing.

Latest Cancer News
Bone drug has benefits in cancer patients

July 18, 2008 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The bone-strengthening drug zoledronic acid not only reduces fracture risk in patients with cancer that has spread to the bones, it also improves overall survival, according to the results of a retrospective analysis of three large studies.

Thickness of Squamous Cell Cancer Associated with Risk of Recurrences

July 18, 2008 — The thickness of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is directly related to the risk of recurrences. These results were recently published in Lancet Oncology.

"Emotional" writing may help ease cancer pain

July 18, 2008 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Some cancer patients may find that putting their emotions down in writing helps improve their pain and general well-being, a study suggests.

Select news items provided by Reuters Health