I Have Cancer? Tests And Procedures For Cancer Detection…
Simply mentioning the possibility of cancer at a doctor’s appointment can strike fear and dread into the hearts of patients. As the second leading cause of death in the United States, cancer causes 1,600 deaths each day. Over the course of their lifetime, half of all men and a third of women will receive a cancer diagnosis, meaning this disease impacts virtually everyone in some way.
Despite the prevalence of cancer in America, few individuals are informed regarding the tests that exist to detect it. By understanding the costs, procedures, and recommendations for these tests, patients can begin to take a more proactive role in their medical treatment.
How and Why Cancer Develops
Over 100 forms of cancer exist today, affecting virtually every area of the body. Cancer begins when cells in one or more areas begin to grow and divide at an abnormally rapid rate. The resulting irregular cells can invade surrounding tissues, which is what characterizes cancer cells.
Cancer cells form as a result of damaged DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). Normally, cells with damaged DNA either repair themselves or die, but cancer cells continue to reproduce more abnormal cells.
Individuals with abnormal DNA may have inherited it from their parents, but this damage most often occurs due to environmental factors. Sun exposure and cigarette smoking are components that frequently correlate with cancer development. However, determining exactly why or how a person’s cancer developed can be difficult or impossible.
Methods and Tools to Detect Cancer
Although determining the direct causes of cancer may not be within the scope of current medical abilities, many tests exist to help detect cancerous cell growth. When conducted regularly (or as recommended by a medical provider), these tests allow doctors to take swift action to treat the illness before it spreads, or metastasizes.
These tests include procedures such as:
- Anti-malignin antibody screen test (AMAS) – These screening procedures may help pick up signs of cancer before symptoms or other indicators begin to manifest. It only works on individuals without advanced-level cancers, and it carries a slight possibility of false positives. Therefore, patients should work with their doctors to determine what additional tests might be needed.
- Blood protein testing – This process, also known as electrophoresis, helps identify immunoglobulins, abnormal proteins in the immune system that can indicate multiple myeloma. To confirm the diagnosis, additional tests such as bone marrow biopsies are required.
- Complete blood count (CBC) – Medical providers often use this test to calculate how many multiple types of blood cells exist in the patient’s blood sample. If abnormal, too many, or too few blood cells present themselves, this could indicate blood cancer.
- Circulating tumor cell tests – To help detect cells that break away from their points of origin and enter the bloodstream, researchers are developing this experimental procedure. They hope it will eventually help doctors detect more advanced cancers.
- Tumor marker tests – These tests attempt to detect chemicals in the blood that may indicate diseases such as prostate, ovarian, medullary thyroid, liver, and testicular cancer. However, elevated levels of these chemicals may be indicative of other conditions, and further study on this method is still needed.
Studies have shown that periodic screenings for specific types of cancer, including lung, colon, rectal, cervical, and breast cancer may correlate to lower death rates for these illnesses.
What Cancer Screening Tests are Right for You?
The best way to determine which screening tests you need is to talk with your doctor. He or she will discuss your genetics, medical history, and other factors to decide which tests to order.
When it comes to cancer screening, always discuss your questions and concerns with your medical provider. Early detection can often mean a longer, healthier life.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You must consult with your doctor! Before starting, stopping, or changing any part of your diet, supplants, medication, exercise routine, or anything related to your health or a medical issue please consult your doctor first.
Sources:
http://www.cancer.org/healthy/findcancerearly/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-diagnosis/art-20046459
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/screening
http://www.cancure.org/tests_to_detect_cancer.htm
Category: Cancer
