Cancer Science and Oncology

Screening tests

Screening tests are a way of finding cancer at an early stage, before any symptoms are seen. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, treatment is easy and will be fast. If symptoms appear, the cancer may have grown and spread which can make the cancer treatment difficult.

It is important to recollect that when your doctor suggests a screening test, it doesn't always mean he or she thinks you've got cancer. Screening tests are done once you haven't any cancer symptoms.

Screening tests include the following:

Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to see general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, like lumps or anything that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and coverings also will be taken.

Laboratory tests: Medical procedures that test samples of tissue, blood, urine, or other substances within the body.

Imaging procedures:  Procedures that make pictures of areas inside the body.

Genetic tests: Laboratory tests during which cells or tissue are analyzed to see for changes in genes or chromosomes. These changes could also be a symbol that an individual has or is in danger of getting a selected disease or condition.