What is information on cancer detection

Cancer is a deadly disease that can be treated only if detected before it is allowed to spread and take over your body. Finding out what is information on cancer detection and knowing what signs to look for in case of cancer is essential for survival.

Women need to check their breasts on a monthly basis

Early cancer detection is all about being diligent with regular health screenings and keeping an eye out for signs of change in your body.  The longer cancer has time to grow uncontrolled in your body, the more chance it will spread and become life threatening.  If you notice any  suspicious changes, bleeding, growths or pains, see your doctor right away. It is better to be safe and check for cancer rather than sorry later. Cancer can be treated much easier the earlier you catch it. 

Keep an eye out for skin cancer. There are certain signs of skin cancer that are good to be aware about. Follow the ABCDE rule when looking for skin cancer.  If you find any of the ABCDE's, see your doctor or dermatologist right away.

• Asymmetry - watch for a mole that doesn't look the same on both sides.
• Border- look for a mole that has edges that are blurry or jagged.
• Color- look for changes in the color of a mole. This could include darkening, spreading of color, and multiple colors.
• Diameter- any mole larger than 1/4 inch in diameter is better to be removed as it is a greater risk of cancer.
• Elevation- look for a mole that raises above the skin or has an uneven surface.

Cancer screenings for women. As a woman it is really important to have annual clinical exams.

• Early breast cancer detection. Women need to be checking their breasts on a monthly basis for any changes in pigmentation and new lumps.  It is important to be diligent about attending an annual clinical exam so your doctor can check your breasts for cancer more thoroughly.  Once you hit the age of 40 every woman should have an annual mammogram (an x-ray of breast tissue). If you have breast cancer in your family your doctor may recommend mammograms earlier in life and more frequently so as to detect any tissue changes as soon as they occur.


• Early cervical cancer detection.At every annual physical exam women need to have a Pap smear which tests for changes in cervical cells and for the HPV virus.  Detecting the HPV virus early and any changes and abnormal cells before cancer develops allow remove the precancerous cells before cancer develops.

Cancer screenings for men. The biggest cancer risk selective to the men is prostate cancer. You should talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors, including family history, your age and race.  While many men do not like the idea of getting screened regularly for prostate cancer, which requires a gloved finger up the rectum to feel the prostate gland, it is important to do and may just save your life. You can also screen for prostate cancer by taking the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.

The next step in cancer detection. If your doctor thinks you may have cancer you will be scheduled for testing specific to the area in which you are experiencing symptoms.  Common tests include imaging radiology tests, mammograms, MRIs, ultrasounds, biopsy testing, tumor marking (testing your blood and urine) and endoscopies (using a long, skinny tool to see inside the body).  Certain tests are specific to the type of cancer you may have. Your doctor can give you more information on the tests you will need to take.  If the tests come back positive, you will discuss cancer treatment options with your physician. Remember that is always good to get a second and third opinion before starting treatment.