Detect Early, Treat Better

Detect Early, Treat Better

It is a situation people often fear: sitting in the doctor’s office and hearing the word “cancer.” People diagnosed with cancer often say they were stunned when they heard the news and unable to process what was said afterward. After the initial shock, it is important to learn about what comes next. Consider the following steps to learn about your diagnosis, find treatment, and cope.

Cancer detection

Detecting cancer is a multi-stage process. Often, the patient will go to a doctor because of some symptom or other. Sometimes cancer is discovered by chance or from screening. The final cancer diagnosis is based on a pathologist’s opinion.

Clinical examination

A general practitioner carries out a clinical examination of a patient. The doctor also considers the patient’s family background and charts the most common risk factors for cancer.

Imaging

Cancer detection often involves radiological imaging. Imaging is also used to check the spread of cancer and progress of treatment, and to monitor cancer.

Oncological imaging is continually becoming more varied and accurate. Different imaging techniques aim to find the most suitable treatment option for each patient. Imaging techniques are often used in combination to obtain sufficient information.

The most common imaging method used to detect cancer and monitor its spread is Computed Tomography (CT), which provides cross-sectional imaging by computer. CT scans are made using X-rays.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a procedure that uses powerful magnetic fields. This does not generate ionising radiation. Situations where MRI is used include examining cancer or sarcoma in the head and neck region.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is based on the faster metabolic rate of cancer cells compared to normal cells. With PET imaging the patient is given a radioactive tracer that is detected by scintigraphy. PET images can also be combined with CT.

Ultra sound examination is useful for examining the cervix, pancreas, liver and kidneys. Needle biopsies can also be taken in ultra sound examinations.

Endoscopic examinations are usually for inspecting the gastrointestinal tract, bronchial tubes, cervix, prostrate, bladder or head and neck region.

In mammography, an X-ray image is used to examine breast tumours. Mammography is also used in breast cancer screening.

In isotopic diagnostics a radioactive tracer is introduced into the patient’s body. The marker goes to the organ to be examined and various imaging methods can be used to determine whether the cancer has spread. Isotopic diagnostics can be used to identify the prevalence cancers such as breast, prostate and colorectal cancer.

Laboratory tests and cancer markers

Laboratory tests are carried out at the point when it is suspected that a patient has cancer. Normally, a blood sample is taken for monitoring blood counts.

With some cancers, determining cancer markers is useful. The number of tumour markers varies according to the cancer activity in the blood stream. Tumour markers can be used in cancer detection, monitoring and prognosis evaluation. The occurrence of markers can be established by a blood test.

Tumour markers are secreted by tumour tissue into the blood. Detecting tumour markers or their concentration may indicate the emergence of cancer or its recurrence. The sensitivity and accuracy of markers vary, and increase in their concentration does not always indicate the presence of cancer. They might not even be found in all cancer patients.

Examples of tumour markers include prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer and cancer antigen (CA) 15.3 for breast cancer.

Genetic testing

Genetic research is talked about a lot in medicine these days. Genetic testing can be useful in connection with certain cases of cancer.

However, genetic testing cannot detect cancer, but can identify part of the genetic defects that indicate a predisposition to developing cancer, thereby detecting a genetic susceptibility to cancer. But so far there is no simple comprehensive genetic test for those interested in having a gene test.

Cancer Genetics

Cancer treatment is constantly becoming more individualised. There are targeted therapies for many types of cancer – involving so called targeted drug delivery, which affect only certain genes or gene faults. This is why genetic testing is done prior to cancer treatment.

Other Cancer Therapies

Confirming cancer

A final diagnosis of cancer is based on an examination of tissue or cells under a microscope by a pathologist. Biopsies can be taken using a fine needle, large core needle or biopsy forceps, or the entire tumour may be removed by surgery.

A large core needle biopsy, or tissue sample, is almost always sufficient for confirming cancer diagnosis. The procedure involves removing a sample of a few millimetres from a tumour under local anaesthesia. The sample is examined to check if the tumour is malignant or benign, its gradation and distribution.

In addition or instead of a biopsy a cytological or cell sample can be taken. This can be done either as a fine needle biopsy or smear test.

A typical smear test is the Pap smear, used in gynaecology. Smear tests also include urine samples as well as samples taken from the gastrointestinal tract and cerebrospinal fluid.

A fine needle biopsy is taken with a thin needle or syringe. The accuracy of the sample depends on such things as the type of cancer. A fine needle biopsy can be taken from the thyroid gland, liver and lymph nodes. The malignancy of a tumour can usually be confirmed with a fine needle biopsy.

 

Learn about your diagnosis

During your initial doctor’s visit, you may struggle to process the amount of information you receive. The unfamiliar medical language may confuse you. Ask your doctor to explain any medical terms you don’t understand. And don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Consider bringing a family member or friend to your appointments to help listen and take notes. Or record the conversation so you can replay it later.

Some patients desire more information, while others prefer less. Tell your health care team your preferences for receiving information about your diagnosis, treatment, and chance of recovery. Ask if there is a learning resource center or other patient education resources available at the place you are receiving treatment.

Emotional support. You may experience complex emotions during your diagnosis and treatment. In addition to talking with your health care team, discuss your concerns with family members and friends.

Counsellors can also help you talk about difficult emotions. It is normal for people diagnosed with cancer to worry or feel discouraged. But people who are living with cancer do have a higher than usual risk of becoming depressed. If you feel that you have lost your interest in your usual activities or are struggling to concentrate, sleep, or eat, tell a member of your health care team and ask about counselling options.

Other outlets to express your emotions and relieve stress include:

  • Writing in a journal
  • Painting or drawing (Art Therapy)
  • Praying or meditating
  • Reading

 

 

Key Note :

 

  • Cancer is a group of more than 100 diseases. It is important to understand the specific type of cancer or cancer-related syndrome you have been diagnosed with.
  • This includes other tests needed as part of the diagnosis process and the treatment options.
  • Take an active role in your cancer care by asking questions and using resources available. This information will help you make informed treatment decisions.