Screening/Diagnosis

Despite extensive research, there is not yet a test available for early detection of all cancers. The only five cancers that we can detect early are prostate (in males — PSA test, yearly exam), breast (mammograms and physical exams) colon (colonoscopies periodically, or other tests), oral cavity/throat (physician exam) and skin (skin examinations). The best way to assess your current and future risk is to have a complete history and physical exam with your physician.

As only a handful of cancers can be detected through early screening, it is generally diagnosed after a symptomatic patient visits his or her general practitioner, or GP. If that physician feels there is a chance that the symptoms are caused by cancer, he or she may order a number of diagnostic tests, including biopsies, laboratory tests, genomic tests, or imaging tests such as x-rays, MRIs, or PET scans, depending on the type of cancer in question.