Understanding Cancer - Treatment

How Do I Know If I Have Cancer?

The earlier cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of its being cured. Some types of cancer -- such as those of the skin, breast, mouth, testicles, prostate, and rectum -- may be detected by routine self-examination or other screening measures before the symptoms become serious. Most cases of cancer are detected and diagnosed after a tumor can be felt or when other symptoms develop. In a few cases cancer is diagnosed incidentally as a result of evaluating or treating other medical conditions.

Diagnosis begins with a thorough physical examination and a complete medical history. Lab studies of blood, urine, and stool can detect abnormalities that may indicate cancer. When a tumor is suspected, imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and fiberoptic scope examinations help doctors determine its location and size. To confirm the cancer diagnosis, a biopsy is performed: A tissue sample is surgically removed from the suspected malignancy and studied under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

If the diagnosis is positive (meaning cancer is present), other tests are performed to provide specific information about the cancer; this essential follow-up phase of diagnosis is called staging. The most important thing doctors need to know is whether cancer has spread from one area of the body to another. If your initial diagnosis is made by a primary care doctor, or if symptoms persist even though you are told that you do not have cancer, seek a second opinion. In any event, before the actual treatment begins, it is extremely important that you get a confirming opinion by a doctor who specializes in cancer treatment.

What Are the Treatments?

A comprehensive cancer program combines both curative and supportive treatment. Curative treatment attempts to eradicate or slow the disease with some combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and possibly hormone therapy or immunotherapy. When cancer is no longer detected, a patient is said to be in remission. Generally, patients who remain cancer-free for five or more years are considered cured. Some cancers cannot be cured, but all can be treated, and in most cases the patient will improve.

WARNING! Beware of Cancer Quackery

Supportive care from nurses and other professionals accompanies cancer treatment. The goal is to relieve pain and other symptoms, maintain general health, and provide emotional, psychological, and logistical support to patients and their families. Similar supportive treatment is available to rehabilitate patients after curative treatment. Supportive therapy such as hospice care for cancer patients nearing the end of their lives provides relief from pain and other irreversible symptoms. Most mainstream care is geared toward providing supportive treatment through the broad resources of a cancer treatment center. The best complementary cancer therapies, which are generally provided outside a hospital, also provide excellent supportive care.