How to check for cancer. Early diagnosis of cancer: what examinations and how often should you undergo?

Screening for cancer is an important stage in the life of every person in the modern realities of life. The procedure can not only save lives, but also significantly improve its quality if the disease is detected and prevented in a timely manner. Thanks to technological advances, cancer diagnosis makes it possible to determine the stage of the disease as accurately and quickly as possible.

Who should get tested for cancer?

People at risk should be tested for cancer first, namely:

• Elderly people after 50 years. The older a person is, the more carcinogenic influence increases in his body. After this age, everyone needs to get checked at least once a year.
• People who regularly drink alcohol and are addicted to smoking. It is bad habits that help in the proliferation of harmful bacteria and pathogenic cells in the body.
• Poor nutrition. When consuming fast food products, fatty foods, and overcooked foods, the risk of carcinogen accumulation in cells increases. Chemical foods and drinks should also be avoided.
• Frequent visits to the solarium. Artificial light for tanning is harmful in large quantities and is contraindicated for people with formations on the body in the form of moles, papillomas and other inclusions of unknown origin.
• Excess body weight. Obesity disrupts the normal functioning of all organs, increasing the risk of accumulation of pathogenic cells in the body of an obese person.
• Low physical activity. With a sedentary lifestyle, stagnation occurs in organs and tissues, blood stops circulating and removes all harmful compounds from the body.
• Prolonged exposure to open sunlight. When the sun is hot, you should always wear sunglasses and long sleeves.

Oncology examination

A precancerous condition of the patient, which can always be diagnosed in a timely manner, is always a harbinger for the appearance of cancerous tumors. After this, the specialist selects treatment that is adequate and appropriate to the current stage of cancer. To identify oncology at the earliest stages of its development, almost in its infancy, it is important to undergo the most complete examination to detect cancer.

The examination is carried out on an outpatient basis and takes at most 1 – 2 days. The oncologist constantly monitors the patient’s progress and tells him what to do correctly and what examinations should still be completed for the most accurate result.

Based on the results of checks and examinations of the body, the doctor presents the patient with a complete picture of the state of his body regarding the oncological situation in his body. Also, the doctor must consider all questions of interest and give them the most detailed answer. As the issues are reviewed, adequate treatment will be prescribed.

What tests show oncology?

Cancer diagnosis is a complex and multifactorial process. To achieve results, several types of diagnostic procedures are performed to identify the disease:

• X-ray examination. Using a special contrast agent, the condition of a particular organ is visually assessed. The research is quite labor-intensive and sequential, so it is carried out with a time investment.
• Endoscopic examination. Allows you to examine the organ cavity from the inside.
• Analyzes for laboratory research. Patients must donate blood, urine, feces and gastric juice. The material is being examined to determine if it contains deviations in the composition of its components from the standard values.
• Cyto-histological examination. For analysis, a small piece of tissue is taken and the cells are examined for their form of malignancy.

Only a specialist determines which examination to undergo for each specific person. It is he who will be able to correctly navigate the patient’s condition and prescribe the correct type of diagnosis.

General cancer diagnosis

A general cancer diagnosis may include:

• detailed blood tests;
• determination of tumor markers in the blood;
• magnetic resonance imaging;
• gastroscopy and colonoscopy;
• biopsy;
• laparoscopic diagnosis.

In oncology, ultrasound is an important analysis. It is ultrasound examination that shows the full dynamics of the development of tumor processes. Biopsies from various organs are often performed under the direct guidance of ultrasound or computed tomography. In many cases, enzyme immunoassay, cytogenetic studies and thoracoscopy - visual examination and biopsy of the chest organs - are useful.

Blood tests are ambiguous in their effectiveness in the case of a just beginning tumor process in the body, but doctors prescribe this procedure to everyone without exception. Since it is highly informative and reliable in the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in later stages of cancer. A detailed blood test helps to identify the level of tumor markers in the blood in each individual organ and to identify the presence or absence of cancer cells in the body.

All tests and studies carried out establish the nature and extent of damage to internal organs and all body systems in the presence of pathogenic microorganisms. Metastatic sites on the body and organs of a sick person are also easily identified and the foci of their growth are determined.

The examination helps to analyze the problem in detail and, based on the results obtained, adjust treatment for the individual patient within the framework of the severity of the disease and the possibility of using one or another therapy.

Preventive studies allow us to identify a huge list of benign neoplasms. To date, the need for medical examinations has not been fully studied and there is no clear answer about the need for it to be carried out annually. Currently, attempts are being made to justify which groups of people need diagnostic measures in the first place.

Diagnostic tests establish the possibility of cancer even before general symptoms.

Screening helps doctors detect some types of cancer in the early stages, which helps establish timely and adequate treatment. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have spread to other tissues, making it less responsive to treatment and worsening the prognosis of the disease.

Types of cancer screenings

• Universal screening (mass):

Includes examination of all representatives of a certain age group.

• Selective screening:

Targeted at people at higher risk of developing cancer and those with a family history of the disease.

Screening is not always effective. It often results in false positives (when the disease is not actually present) or false negatives (when the presence of cancer is not determined). Therefore, additional examinations prescribed by the treating oncologist should be carried out to identify a possible disease.

Since there are many types of cancer, different symptoms are identified.

To find out for sure how to identify cancer, you should initially find out the connection with the organs of location of the tumor and the duration of observation of some symptoms.

With a long course of the disease, the tumor grows into neighboring tissues (nerves, blood vessels and other cells).

1. The body expends a large amount of energy (this occurs so that mutated tissues can grow). Because of this, a person feels tired, weak, loses weight, and sometimes has a fever for no apparent reason.
2. Feeling a lump in some areas of the body. It occurs due to the release of toxins by cancer cells into the blood channels. In this case, the tumor forms in the lymph nodes or in the general bloodstream.
3. There is constant pain as the tumor can affect nerve endings or other organs.
4. Changes in skin condition. The skin changes color or develops unexpected pigmentation, spots on the body, as well as rashes or itching.
5. There is persistent bleeding or other discharge from the mouth, genitals, nose, ears, or nipple.
6. Open wounds or bruises form that do not respond to antibacterial treatment. Attention should also be paid to mouth ulcers that do not heal and are characterized by an unusual color (red, brown-red) and jagged edges.
7. Pale skin combined with weakness and susceptibility to infections. Such symptoms may indicate leukemia, bone marrow cancer, etc.

How to determine if there is cancer in advance?

Some types of cancer can be detected in the early stages due to certain conditions. To do this, it is recommended to use appropriate diagnostic tests.

Women who are at higher risk of developing the disease are recommended to have mammograms before the age of 40. The procedure is performed for women whose first-degree relatives (mother, sister, daughter) suffered from this disease. For preventive purposes, older women are recommended to have their mammary glands examined every two years.

It is advisable to use a Pap test or others to prevent the disease in young women under 20 years of age and slightly older who tend to have abnormal cells. For women at no risk and without an atypical Pap smear screening for cervical cancer, screening should be done every 3 years, regardless of cervical cancer vaccination.

The main thing in diagnosing colorectal cancer is the identification of benign formations called polyps. They can be removed during colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy. It is also recommended to screen the colon and rectum by collecting stool to detect occult blood. The examination should be carried out for people who have pre-cancer of this type of oncology and are also aged.

The disease is defined by the presence of conditions such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Diagnosis includes special testing, sometimes a biopsy, to monitor the presence of prostate-specific antigen.

The disease is determined by tomographic examination, which is recommended to be carried out annually for people aged 55 to 80 years, as well as for those who have a thirty-year history of smoking.

Almost undetectable in the early stages. However, for preventive purposes, regular endoscopic ultrasound examinations, as well as MRI and CT scans are recommended for individuals at high risk of developing the disease due to congenital genetics and negative family history.

If the question arises: “How to determine whether there is cancer?”, it is best to consult a doctor who will select the most effective way to diagnose cancer and confirm or refute your suspicions. The choice of cancer detection method depends on the possible location of the tumor. Common basic medical tests for cancer include blood tests for cancer, urinalysis, magnetic resonance scans, CT scans, biopsies, ultrasounds, radionuclide studies, endoscopy, colonoscopy, physical examination, mammography and other tests.

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The information on the site is presented for informational purposes only! It is not recommended to use the described methods and recipes for treating cancer on your own and without consulting a doctor!

When to get checked for cancer and how to do it

Cancer is an insidious disease, some forms of which can often develop unnoticed by its carrier for a long time. According to statistics for 2015, in Russia 27.5% of malignant tumors were diagnosed at the first stage of the disease, 26.2% at the second stage, 20.1% at the third, 26.2% at the last, fourth stage. The earlier the disease can be identified, the greater the chances of successfully combating it.

Oncologist Ekaterina Chernova told The Village how to understand that it is time for you to be checked for cancer and what tests you should take to get complete information about what is happening in the body.

Chernova Ekaterina Valerievna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, oncologist-surgeon-mammologist of the OncoStop project

Why do you need to get checked even if nothing bothers you?

Cancer is a malignant tumor that is formed as a result of a complex multi-step process of converting normal cells into tumor cells. In a simplified form, it looks like this: normal cells -> precancer -> cancer. Next, tumor cells begin to multiply uncontrollably and rapidly, the tumor grows into nearby tissues and structures, and individual malignant cells spread to distant organs and tissues, forming metastases. Cancer can develop in any organ and goes through four stages in its development.

In the early stages, cancer, as a rule, does not manifest itself in any way and its detection is most often an accidental finding during examination. Therefore, it is very important to undergo regular examinations of the whole body. Let me remind you that cancer is one of the leading causes of death throughout the world - in 2015, 8.8 million people died from it.

The most common risk factors for cancer

Tobacco use, including cigarette smoking (including secondhand smoke), smokeless tobacco use

Tobacco use is the largest risk factor for cancer, accounting for nearly 22% of global cancer deaths, according to the GBD 2015 Risk Factors Collaborators.

Overweight or obesity

Unhealthy diet with low intake of fruits and vegetables

Decreased or no physical activity

Infection with HPV (human papillomavirus)

Infection with hepatitis B, C or other carcinogenic infections

Ionizing and ultraviolet radiation

Urban air pollution

Indoor smoke as a result of the use of solid fuels in homes

Precancerous conditions

Precancerous changes are different. There is an obligate precancer - a stage of early oncological pathology, which sooner or later transforms into cancer. These changes require radical treatment. There is also an optional precancer, which does not necessarily turn into a malignant tumor, but it requires careful monitoring.

For example, among the possible causes of gastric cancer, long-term chronic gastritis, especially atrophic gastritis, and Ménétrier's disease are of great importance. The patient will be bothered by pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen after eating, prolonged heartburn, and belching after eating. Facultative precancers of the intestine include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

If we talk about precancerous skin conditions, the patient needs to monitor the number, size, color, and symmetry of moles on the body. Any change in these signs, as well as pain and bleeding in the area of ​​the mole, are important symptoms and require immediate consultation with a doctor.

Precancerous diseases of the female genital organs include severe dysplasia, leukoplakia of the vulva and cervix, polyps of the female genital organs, cicatricial deformation of the cervix and other diseases.

A precancerous condition of the mammary glands is proliferation of the mammary epithelium with signs of atypia. Factors that significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer include family history. If a woman has close relatives who developed breast cancer before menopause, she should consult an oncologist and a geneticist. It is very important to regularly examine your mammary glands manually. It is advisable to carry out this self-examination monthly in the first phase of the menstrual cycle.

The most common types of cancer to die from (per year):

lung cancer - 1.69 million people

liver cancer - man

colon and rectal cancer - human

cases are registered in Russia

Every year

More than people a day around the world get cancer

At least 2.5 million people in Russia are registered in cancer clinics

More than people die from cancer every year in Russia

How to test for cancer

Seek help from a general practitioner at your local clinic.

You need to be willing to undergo a regular annual full examination, which is prescribed by your GP.

If any pathology is detected, the doctor will definitely prescribe you a clarifying further examination and give you a referral to the district oncologist, as well as to other medical specialists, depending on your individual clinical situation.

You can also contact an oncologist yourself at a regional oncology clinic or a private clinic and express a desire to be examined there.

There is a lot of information on the Internet about how to detect the presence of cancer. You can choose any private clinic, call there, and the clinic manager will make an appointment with an oncologist.

Necessary examinations

Firstly, you need to regularly undergo a comprehensive examination yourself and with a doctor, even if nothing worries you.

If you have any complaints, you should immediately consult a doctor without waiting for the next examination.

The doctor will prescribe tests for you, the list of which may vary depending on which organ is affected, as well as depending on the individual characteristics of your health, concomitant pathology and the extent of the pathological process

How can you reduce your risk of developing cancer?

To prevent the occurrence of 30 to 50% of cancers,

Avoid risk factors whenever possible

combat sources of danger in the workplace and at home

know about the existence of precancerous pathology, be able to identify precancerous conditions

Visit your doctor regularly for a comprehensive diagnosis of the whole body

vaccinate against HPV and hepatitis B virus infections

reduce exposure to ultraviolet and ionizing radiation

Regular visits to the doctor and examinations will help identify precancerous conditions and prevent the onset of cancer. Early diagnosis of cancer allows the disease to be completely cured. When the disease is diagnosed in late stages, radical treatment is no longer possible.

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14 Signs It's Time for You to Get Tested for Cancer!

Scary, but better to know!

The American Cancer Society recorded 1.5 million cancer cases in the United States alone in 2015. Medical experts unanimously say that early detection of the tumor is critical to fighting the disease. There are some signs of cancer that absolutely cannot be ignored. Pay attention to all changes in the body, as they may be a sign not only of this disease, but also of a number of others. Check your body to ensure it is free of cancer cells if you feel any of these symptoms. Remember: these signs only mean that you need to seek help from a doctor.

Bloating in women.

Unexplained and chronic flatulence may indicate ovarian cancer. Dr. Beth Yu Karlan explains, “Ovarian cancer is the silent killer. Usually no one pays attention to the fact that his stomach bloats quickly and regularly after lunch.” If you feel like your stomach is full too quickly and you regularly experience lower back pain, visit your doctor. Especially if you experience these symptoms for several weeks in a row.

Irregular bleeding in women.

Any abnormal bleeding that occurs after menopause or is not associated with your cycle at all could be a sign of something serious. For example, endometrial, or cervical cancer.

Dr. Caroline Runowicz says:

Any bleeding, even small drops of blood on your underwear, is abnormal. Not to mention the clots. If this happens to you, you need to immediately investigate what’s wrong.”

So get ready to see a doctor if you notice something like this. Let's hope that we are talking about some kind of banal cervical infection.

Pain in the abdomen and pelvic organs in women.

Pain in the pelvic organs or abdomen may be a sign of serious problems with the ovaries. If this pain is also accompanied by bloating, or if you have problems with appetite or urination, this requires a trip to the doctor.

Read also: Don't accept these gifts: 7 things that bring bad luck!

“These symptoms are also seen when it is a problem other than cancer. When they are caused by cancer, they are stable and regular.”

Persistent back pain in men.

There can be many reasons for this problem. And most of them, fortunately, are not related to cancer. However, colon and prostate cancer are almost always accompanied by severe back pain. So if you encounter them, it would not hurt to make an appointment with a doctor.

Healthline writes on this topic:

Back pain is the most common cause of disability. People don't realize it, but it can also indicate prostate cancer. He also has another symptom: pain in the bones of the hips.

Of course, muscle pain in itself should not be a reason for you to panic. But if this condition recurs regularly for you, we are probably talking about something serious.

Changes in the testicles in men.

One of the best ways to protect yourself from testicular cancer is to constantly monitor the condition and size of these organs. It is important that their size and shape do not change.

Dr. Herbert Lepore explains:

If you notice something extra on them, some serious new formation, never delay checking with a doctor. Unlike prostate cancer, which grows slowly, testicular cancer can form overnight!

In general, take a closer look at yourself!

Pain in the groin, thighs or pelvis in men.

Prostate cancer can cause not only back pain, but also pain in the groin, thighs and buttocks. Testicular cancer also has the same symptoms. And remember: any chronic pain or swelling is definitely a sign of something serious.

Read also: “Silent killers” of your health: 6 diseases that are asymptomatic

Persistent cough in men and women.

As a rule, a cough is a consequence of a cold. However, if it refuses to go away and torments you for months/years, then this could indicate cancer - thyroid, throat or lung.

We know that coughs and colds are usually related. But if your cough doesn't go away for months, don't be afraid to consult a doctor.

Smoking can also cause chronic cough. “It is the number one cancer killer among women,” Karlan emphasizes.

Problems with urination in men and women.

If you have recurring problems with bowel movements and urination, it could be a sign of something very serious.

Healthline writes:

Everyone has problems with their intestines one way or another, but serious changes, chronic pain, a feeling like the stomach is “bloated” - all these can be symptoms of colorectal cancer.”

If blood comes out along with your stool, then it’s time to immediately contact a professional.

Sudden weight loss in men and women.

Sudden and unexplained weight loss can have several causes, but they are all very serious. This is how some types of cancer manifest themselves, in particular.

The American Cancer Society writes:

An unexplained loss of even 5 kg may indicate cancer. This is usually the case with cancer of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus or lungs.

Stress, however, can also cause this. But it's better to get a blood test to make sure everything is normal.

Changes in the chest area in men and women.

Many people think that breast cancer only affects women, but in fact, it affects men too. Its first sign: the appearance of lumps of unknown nature in the chest area.

Read also: What fate awaits you according to your zodiac sign

Dr. Myers says:

Men tend to ignore the risk of getting this type of cancer. But in 1% of all cases it develops in men, not women. And almost all sick people seek help from doctors too late.

Breast cancer can be treated without any problems: the main thing is to detect it at an early stage.

Enlarged lymph nodes in men and women.

These are small glands located in several places throughout the body. The main ones are on the neck and armpits. Swollen lymph nodes are most often a sign of hypothermia or a consequence of a sore throat.

However, Dr. Marlene Myers notes that if swelling doesn't go away within two to four weeks, you should definitely see a doctor.

Changes in the skin of men and women.

You should keep an eye out for any new growths on your skin. After all, this type of cancer is extremely important and, most importantly, easy to recognize at an early stage.

Pay attention to any new moles that appear on your body. If you don't like their color, shape or size, consult your doctor immediately.

Moreover, this is the best case when “it’s better to be safe than sorry”: skin cancer cells detected in time help to stop it instantly.

Any changes in the mouth of men and women.

First of all, you should pay attention to the appearance of strange white or red spots in the mouth. Especially if you smoke or chew tobacco!

The American Cancer Society writes about this:

White spots in the mouth and white spots on the tongue may indicate a precancerous condition. Any changes that do not go away quickly should be checked by a doctor."

Severe chronic fatigue in men and women.

We mean tired for no reason. Those. If every day you feel worse in the morning than in the evening, then most likely you have something really serious.

The American Cancer Society writes:

Fatigue is an important symptom if it becomes more and more acute over time. This is how leukemia or other types of cancer usually manifest themselves.

As you understand, this is also a case when it is better to go to the doctor one more time to understand that you are safe than to regret it later in the hospital ward.

Dr. Beth Karlan emphasizes:

We didn't mean to alarm you. We just want to explain to you: cancer is curable, if you find it in the early stages, then nothing bad will happen to you. Use the latest achievements of medical science to the maximum - and you will be able to live as you lived before the diagnosis. The main thing is to see oncologists on time.

In short, you get the idea. We simply could not help but warn you. Share this article with all your friends you know! This could save someone's life.

How to check for cancer of the whole body?

Early detection of symptoms and comprehensive diagnosis can improve the effectiveness of treatment and, in many cases, refute the diagnosis. At the first suspicion of cancer, you should contact an oncologist and get tested.

When can cancer be detected?

Oncological diseases can remain in the body for a long time without causing specific symptoms. Most often, the early process is identified during a preventive examination or accidentally, when taking clinical tests for other purposes.

Cancer at the first stage is detected in only 25-30% of cases.

To exclude cancer, it is enough to undergo a set of diagnostic procedures at least once a year.

On World Cancer Day, some medical institutions provide the opportunity to test the entire body for the presence of a malignant tumor free of charge.

What methods can detect cancer?

Diagnosing cancer is a complex and multifactorial process. To identify oncological pathology, different groups of diagnostic methods are used:

• X-ray - for examination and visualization of the organ, performed with contrast;
• endoscopic - for examining abdominal organs;

The selection of the necessary diagnostic procedures in each specific case is carried out by the doctor during the preliminary consultation of the patient. During a preventive examination of the body, a standard set of procedures is prescribed.

How is a comprehensive diagnosis of the whole body performed?

In order to examine the entire body for the presence of a malignant tumor, it is necessary to undergo general tests and take x-rays of all organs.

The test allows you to identify pathology even in the absence of symptoms.

Detection of a cancerous tumor at an early stage ensures successful treatment in 90-95% of cases.

To check for cancer, determine where the tumor is located and at what stage, a series of examinations are prescribed.

The diagnostic program typically includes a consultation with a specialized doctor, blood and tumor tissue tests, genetic studies and tomography.

To diagnose a pathological neoplasm, an ultrasound may also be prescribed. However, the procedure is only effective in cases where the tumor has reached a certain size.

Ultrasound is not used to diagnose cancer in the early stages.

This method allows you to determine the exact size of the expanded tumor, as well as determine the structure and contours of the formation. A biopsy is often performed under ultrasound guidance.

Other necessary examinations for diagnosing oncology

If general tests show the presence of pathological processes in the body and depending on which organs are affected by the neoplasm, the patient is prescribed the following diagnostic methods:

• stool analysis to detect hidden blood - if cancer of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, large or small intestine) is suspected;
• colonoscopy and gastroscopy - also for gastrointestinal pathologies;
• mammography - for a tumor in the breast;
• bronchography, angiography - x-ray examinations to detect pathologies in the chest;

Based on the research results, further treatment is determined at a repeated consultation with the oncologist. In some cases, additional tests may be required.

When should you be screened for cancer?

There is a list of factors that increase the risk of pathology. The risk group includes the following categories of patients:

• elderly people, the greatest risk of developing cancer is in people over 60 years of age;
• smokers (including passive smokers);
• infected with human papillomavirus (HPV);

People who belong to one or more risk groups are recommended to be diagnosed with cancer 1-2 times a year. Getting rid of bad habits and excluding other risk factors reduces the likelihood of developing cancer by 30-35%.

Thank you for the principles of treatment, and the video explains it very clearly. The most important step in treating diarrhea

Microbes multiply quickly in the oral cavity, and therefore it is necessary to treat the throat effectively

Periodically, the intestines (common sewer) need to be cleared of accumulations. There are many techniques

Thanks for your list. Just a week ago I got sick myself, and I also sat at home with a sore throat. For me

Thanks for the cheat sheet, what you can and can’t do with diarrhea, I’ll keep it for myself just in case. I remember

If you have a history of cancer in your family or have been diagnosed with pre-cancerous disease, it is expected that you will want to learn how to spot the early symptoms of cancer. Because the symptoms, severity, and progression of cancer are unique to each person, it is important to monitor your body for any changes. If you wish, talk to your doctor about genetic testing to determine your risk for certain types of cancer. By being aware of the risks, monitoring symptoms, and catching cancer early, you can increase your chances of survival.

Steps

Part 1

1. Pay attention to changes in your skin. Skin cancer can cause your skin to change color, making it darker, yellower, or redder. If your skin changes color, increases in hair growth, or develops itchy patches on your skin, make an appointment with your physician or dermatologist. If you have moles, make sure they haven't changed in any way. Another symptom of cancer is an unusual lump or lump on the surface of the body.

   • Watch for sores that won't heal or white patches in the mouth and tongue.

2. Monitor changes in bowel movements or urination. Constipation that won't go away, diarrhea, or any changes in the size of your stool may indicate colon cancer. Symptoms of colon or bladder cancer include:

   • Painful sensations when urinating
   • Frequent or, conversely, infrequent urination
   • Signs of blood or other discharge

3. Determine if you have lost weight. If you haven't been on a diet but have lost weight, you have unexplained weight loss. Weight loss of more than 4.5 kg is an early sign of pancreatic, stomach, esophageal or lung cancer.

   • You may also experience dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or indigestion after eating. They can be symptoms of cancer of the esophagus, throat and stomach.

4. Beware of symptoms of common illnesses. Some early cancer symptoms may resemble those of the common cold, with some key differences. You may have a cough, fatigue, fever, or unexplained pain (such as a severe headache). But unlike a cold, you won't get better with rest, your cough won't go away, and despite your fever, you won't show signs of infection.

   • Pain can be one of the very first symptoms of cancer to appear. Typically, the temperature rises after the cancer has progressed.

5. Don't diagnose yourself. You should not assume that a few matching symptoms absolutely indicate that you have cancer. Symptoms of cancer can vary greatly and are not specific. This means that many similar symptoms can indicate a number of other diseases of varying severity.

   • For example, fatigue can indicate many things, and cancer is just one of these things. Fatigue may turn out to be a symptom of a completely different disease. This is why proper medical examination is very important.

6. Talk to your doctor about diagnosing other types of cancer. Because some types of cancer do not have specific guidelines, discuss your risk factors with your doctor. Your doctor will then decide whether you should be tested. Ask your dentist for recommendations regarding oral cancer. Ask your doctor if you should be tested for the following types of cancer:

   • Prostate cancer
   • Cancer of the uterus
   • Thyroid cancer
   • Lymphoma
   • Testicular cancer

Part 3

1. Consult your doctor. Not all people need to undergo genetic testing to determine risk factors. If you think you would benefit from learning about your genetic cancer risks, talk to your doctor and make sure he or she knows your and your family's medical history. Your doctor (and geneticist) can help you determine whether you are at risk of developing cancer and whether you should have genetic testing.

   • Many cancers that can be tested for through genetic testing are quite rare, so it is important to understand whether you should have the test at all.

2. Weigh the pros and cons of genetic testing. Because genetic testing can determine factors for cancer development, it can help you decide how often you should have physical exams and screening tests. Genetic testing results may provide little information, be misinterpreted, and make you feel anxious and worried. It can also cost you several hundred thousand rubles. Many insurance companies will not cover the cost of the test, so check with your insurance company to determine how much you will have to pay. Experts recommend genetic testing if:

   • You or members of your family have an increased risk of developing a certain type of cancer
   • Testing can clearly show the presence or absence of genetic changes
   • The test results will help you create a care plan.

3. Find out which types of cancer can be tested for through genetic testing. The test can identify genes that are responsible for more than 50 types of hereditary cancer syndromes. If you test positive for the presence of a gene for a certain type of cancer, it does not mean you will get it. Genes for the following cancer syndromes can be detected in genetic testing:

   • Hereditary breast cancer and ovarian cancer syndrome
   • Li-Fraumeni syndrome
   • Lynch syndrome (hereditary colon cancer without polyposis)
   • Familial adenomatous polyposis
   • Retinoblastoma
   • Multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (Wermer syndrome) and type II
   Discuss the test results with your doctor. If genetic testing is positive for the presence of a gene for a certain type of cancer, your doctor or genetic counselor will tell you about further testing or preventive measures. A genetic counselor is trained to provide emotional support. They will also refer you to a support group and provide other assistance.
   • A positive genetic test result does not mean you will get this type of cancer, only that you are at increased risk of developing it. Whether it appears depends on you, the specific gene, family history, your lifestyle and the environment in which you live.

SM-Clinic

Timely diagnosis plays a decisive role in the treatment of oncological (cancerous) pathologies. To accurately determine the presence of cancer, a set of diagnostic measures is necessary. However, dangerous changes in the body are often warned by basic blood, stool or urine tests, which can be taken in any laboratory. If there are deviations in the indicators, the doctor will develop an individual examination program and determine what tests to take for oncology in order to dispel or confirm suspicions.

Analysis of urine

Cancer of the urinary system manifests itself as blood in the urine. Urine may also contain ketone bodies, which indicate tissue breakdown. However, these symptoms also accompany diseases not related to oncology, for example, they indicate the presence of stones in the bladder or kidneys, or diabetes mellitus.

For diagnosing other types of cancer, urine analysis is not informative. It cannot be used to judge the presence of cancer, but deviations from the norm indicate health problems. If the deviations are serious and confirmed by the results of other basic tests, then this is a reason to conduct special tests to determine cancer.

The exception is multiple myeloma, in which specific Bence Jones protein is determined in the urine.

For the study, morning urine is collected in a sterile container, which can be purchased at a pharmacy. You need to take a shower first.

Stool analysis

Blood may also be present in the stool, and it is almost impossible to notice it visually. Laboratory analysis will help determine its presence.

The presence of blood in the stool is a sign of intestinal cancer (most often colon), but it is also a symptom of many benign gastrointestinal diseases. Polyps in the intestines can bleed. Moreover, it should be remembered that polyps tend to degenerate into a malignant tumor. In any case, the presence of blood in the stool is a reason to undergo a more in-depth diagnosis and take tests to detect cancer.

Feces are also collected in a sterile container in the morning.

What blood test shows cancer?

Many patients are convinced that it is possible to detect cancer using a blood test. In fact, there are several types of this diagnostic procedure, starting with a general analysis and ending with an analysis for tumor markers. The following types of cancer diagnosis using blood tests with varying degrees of information content are distinguished:

• general analysis;
• biochemical analysis;
• blood clotting test;
• immunological blood test (for tumor markers).

Even if cancer has not yet manifested itself with painful symptoms, negative changes are already occurring in the body, which can be recorded by a blood test. When a malignant tumor grows, it destroys healthy cells that help the body grow and releases toxic substances. These changes are noticeable even with a general blood test, but they can also be a sign of dozens of diseases not related to cancer.

The most informative is considered to be an analysis of tumor markers - specific substances that are released into the blood as a result of the activity of tumor cells. However, given that tumor markers are contained in the body of any person, and their number increases during inflammation, this analysis does not 100% prove the presence of cancer. It only becomes a reason to undergo more reliable tests to determine oncology.

Will a general blood test show cancer?

This analysis does not provide complete information about the presence of a tumor in the body. However, this is one of the basic tests that helps detect cancer at an early stage, when it does not yet manifest symptoms. Therefore, if you decide which tests to take to check for cancer, then you need to start with it.

The following changes in the structure of the blood may indicate malignant processes in the body:

• decrease in the number of lymphocytes;
• increase or decrease in the number of leukocytes;
• decrease in hemoglobin;
• low platelets;
• increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR);
• increase in the number of neutrophils;
• presence of immature blood cells.

If a patient, in the presence of one or several of the listed signs at the same time, experiences weakness, quickly gets tired, loses appetite and weight, it is necessary to undergo a more detailed examination.

Blood is donated on an empty stomach or at least 4 hours after eating. The fence is taken from a finger.

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Blood chemistry

The method identifies abnormalities that may be a sign of cancer. It should be taken into account that the same changes are characteristic of many non-oncological diseases, so the results cannot be interpreted unambiguously.

The doctor analyzes the following indicators:

• Total protein. Cancer cells feed on protein, and if the patient has no appetite, then its volume is significantly reduced. In some cancers, the volume of protein, on the contrary, increases.
• Urea, creatinine. Their increase is a sign of poor kidney function or intoxication, in which protein in the body actively breaks down.
• Sugar. Many malignant tumors (sarcoma, cancer of the lung, liver, uterus, breast) are accompanied by signs of diabetes mellitus with changes in blood sugar levels, since the body does not produce insulin well.
• Bilirubin. An increase in its volume may be a symptom of malignant liver damage.
• Enzymes ALT, AST. Increased volume is evidence of a possible liver tumor.
• Alkaline phosphatase. Another enzyme, an increase in which may be a sign of malignant changes in bones and bone tissue, gall bladder, liver, ovaries, and uterus.
• Cholesterol. With a significant decrease in volume, liver cancer or metastases to this organ may be suspected.

Blood is drawn from a vein. It must be taken on an empty stomach.

Blood clotting tests

With cancer, blood clotting becomes higher, and blood clots can form in large and small vessels (up to capillaries). If the test results show these abnormalities, further cancer testing will be required.

Blood for this analysis is also taken from a vein.

Immunological blood test: tumor markers

If we talk about what tests show oncology, then this examination is quite informative and allows you to determine the presence of cancer. It is also used to detect relapses after treatment.

Tumor markers are special types of protein, enzymes, or protein breakdown products. They are released either by malignant tissue or by healthy tissue in response to cancer cells. Now the existence of more than 200 species has been scientifically proven.

Tumor markers are also present in small quantities in the body of a healthy person; their volume increases moderately, for example, with a cold, as well as in women during pregnancy, and in men with prostate adenoma. However, the appearance of certain specific types in large quantities is characteristic of certain tumors. For example, tumor markers CEA and CA-15-3 can signal breast cancer, and CA 125 and HE-4 can signal ovarian cancer. To obtain the most objective result, it is recommended to be tested for several tumor markers.

By increasing the level of a particular tumor marker, it is possible to determine which organ or system is affected by the tumor. Also, this analysis can show that a person is at risk of developing cancer. For example, in men, an increase in the PSA tumor marker becomes a precursor to prostate cancer.

An immunological test is taken on an empty stomach, blood is taken from a vein. Tumor markers are also determined by urine analysis.

Cytological examination

This is the most informative type of laboratory examination, which accurately determines the presence or absence of malignant cells.

The analysis consists of taking a tiny section of tissue in which the presence of a cancerous tumor is suspected, with further examination under a microscope. Modern endoscopic technologies make it possible to collect biomaterial from any organ - skin, liver, lungs, bone marrow, lymph nodes.

Cytology is the study of cellular structure and function. The cells of a cancerous tumor differ significantly from the cells of healthy tissues, so laboratory testing can accurately determine the malignancy of the neoplasm.

The following biomaterials are used for cytological examination:

• imprints from the skin, mucous membranes;
• liquids in the form of urine, sputum;
• swabs from internal organs obtained during endoscopy;
• tissue samples obtained by puncture with a thin needle.

This diagnostic method is used for preventive examinations, clarifying the diagnosis, planning and monitoring treatment, and identifying relapses. It is simple, safe for the patient, and results can be obtained within 24 hours.

Instrumental diagnostics

If a cancer is suspected or a malignant neoplasm is detected, the patient must undergo more detailed examinations to determine the location of the tumor, its volume, the extent of damage to other organs and systems (the presence of metastases), and also to develop an effective treatment program. For this purpose, a complex of instrumental examinations is used. It includes various types of diagnostics - depending on the suspicion of a particular disease.

Modern clinics offer the following types of instrumental examinations:

• magnetic resonance imaging (with or without contrast agent);
• computed tomography (with and without the use of X-ray contrast agent);
• plain radiography in frontal and lateral projection;
• contrast radiography (irrigography, hysterosalpingography);
• ultrasound examination with Dopplerography;
• endoscopic examination (fibrogastroscopy, colonoscopy, bronchoscopy);
• radionuclide diagnostics (scintigraphy and positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography).

These types of examinations make it possible to detect cancer with high accuracy.

Examinations for suspected cancer at the SM-Clinic oncology center

Despite enormous progress in the development of medicine, cancer still remains the main problem of modern society and annually claims the lives of millions of people around the world. A panacea for deadly tumors has not yet been found, and the causes of the disease are unknown. However, millions of examples have proven that a tumor detected in the early stages of development responds well to treatment, while oncology detected too late leads to inevitable death.

The conclusion here is simple: in order to successfully fight the disease and give a person a chance at a future life, cancer must be detected in a timely manner. Let's study the main methods of early cancer diagnosis that modern medicine offers.

Symptoms of cancer in the early stages

If a person feels good and does not complain about his health, this does not mean that he is truly healthy and there are no cancer cells in his body. It is important to pay attention to the smallest problems with the body, because even in the early stages of cancer the body begins to send distress signals. In this regard, it is worth paying attention to the following symptoms:

• the appearance of painful sensations that were not there before;
• unexplained weight loss (more than 5 kg per month);
• deterioration or complete loss of appetite;
• change in taste preferences (up to complete aversion to meat);
• the appearance of low-grade fever (37.0°C–37.5°C), which remains at a certain level for a long time;
• change in skin condition (dryness, itching and appearance of a gray tint);
• brittle nails, hair loss and deterioration of their condition.

When faced with any of these conditions, you should go to the doctor and find out the cause of the disorders, including checking whether they are the result of the development of an oncological process in the body.

It should be said that in developed countries there have been early screening programs for both men and women for decades. They are also used in our country, although they have not yet received proper distribution. When you contact any cancer center, you will be asked to undergo a series of diagnostic procedures, which we will discuss below.

1. General blood test

For any health complaints, the patient is first prescribed a blood test. A general blood test is not very informative in terms of detecting cancer, however, some indicators may lead the doctor to think about oncology. You should be wary of indicators such as:

• pathological decrease in hemoglobin level and the development of anemia (most often indicates intestinal or stomach cancer);
• acceleration of ESR with normal or high levels of leukocytes;
• acceleration of ESR with an increased level of red blood cells and high hemoglobin (may indicate kidney cancer).

However, in the case of leukemia (a malignant blood disease), a general blood test becomes the main and most objective diagnostic method. This is indicated by the following indicators:

• low hemoglobin level;
• acceleration of ESR;
• significant changes in the leukocyte formula.

2. Urinalysis

This analysis also does not provide accurate information about the presence or absence of cancer cells in the body. However, for some diseases, such as bladder cancer or kidney cancer, this test can provide very valuable information. First of all, problems in the body are indicated by the presence of blood fragments in the urine (hematuria). Elevated levels of protein, creatine and urea should also be of concern.

3. Biochemical blood test

This blood test is already more informative, and therefore is often the first diagnostic method to suspect cancer. The specialist notes:

• increased activity of intracellular enzymes - transaminases AST and ALT (with oncology of the kidneys, liver or pancreas);
• a serious increase in calcium levels (with parathyroid or kidney cancer);
• deviations in the level of hormones (adrenal, sex or thyroid hormones), indicating the development of a malignant tumor in the endocrine system.

Even nonspecific tests sometimes provide valuable clues that allow us to promptly suspect a dangerous disease and guide doctors along the right path to diagnosing cancer. If suspicions arise, specialists move on to studies that are designed specifically to detect cancer.

Specific cancer research

It is worth saying that not only persons with suspected malignant neoplasms should undergo cancer detection methods. According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, it is reasonable to begin such diagnostics at 30–35 years of age. It is from this age that every person should think about whether he or she has a predisposition to a certain cancer. This should include gender, age, the presence of chronic diseases, the presence of relatives with a certain type of cancer, as well as the specifics of work and area of ​​residence. Knowing which organs and systems of the body need regular examination, you can significantly increase your chances of early detection and successful disposal of a deadly tumor.

So, what tests can specifically identify a cancer tumor?

Blood testing methods

1. Tumor markers

Today, this type of diagnosis is the most popular, and all thanks to its simplicity and high efficiency in detecting malignant tumors. The essence of the method is simple: a special solution is injected into the blood or any other biological fluid of a person, which helps to distinguish healthy cells of the body from cancer cells.

There are many tumor markers that identify a specific disease, for example:

• ACE (allows you to detect tumors of the intestines and stomach);
• CA-125 (detects ovarian cancer);
• CEA (widespread in gynecological practice, because it allows you to detect breast, ovarian and uterine cancer);
• CA-15-3 (helps in detecting breast cancer, tumors in the pancreas and ovaries);
• PSA (the main “male” tumor marker that allows us to detect prostate cancer).

The arsenal of modern doctors is not limited to the listed tumor markers. There are many more of them, and among them there are universal ones, for example, the DR-70 blood test. With its help, you can recognize more than 10 types of malignant neoplasms.

Tissue research methods

Such methods are highly informative, but they are carried out only if doctors have every reason to believe that the patient has cancer.

2. Cytological examination

Diagnostics consists of a smear, in which the test material applied to a glass is stained by Papanicolaou (PAP) or Romanowsky-Giemsa specialists.

• Examination of scrapings of the uterine mucosa in this study makes it possible to detect cervical cancer at an early stage.
• Examination of thyroid or breast tissue can detect malignant cells in these organs.
• By performing a lymph node biopsy, tumors in the lymphatic system can be diagnosed.
• Analysis of material from the pleural and abdominal cavity helps detect a dangerous neoplasm called mesothelioma.

3. Histological examination

This type of diagnosis is in many ways similar to cytological examination. However, this is a more accurate diagnostic method that allows a definitive diagnosis to be made. However, it has disadvantages, because while the results of a cytological examination can be obtained on the day of sampling, histological analysis requires time and special equipment.

4. Immunohistochemistry

This is a new method for detecting cancer, which, according to experts, can find any cancer tumor in the body, including undifferentiated ones. However, the cost of such diagnostics is quite high, and only large research centers, which are available only in large cities, can afford the necessary equipment.

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5. Genetic tests

In some cases, genetic testing is necessary to diagnose an organism. Today, scientists know for certain that changes in certain genes significantly increase the likelihood of developing cancer:

• prostate;
• mammary gland;
• lungs;
• ovaries;
• cervix;
• intestines, including the colon.

In addition, genetic diagnostics makes it possible to identify congenital syndromes in a patient, which can also provoke this deadly disease. For example, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome increases the likelihood of developing cancer in the digestive organs (stomach, esophagus, pancreas and liver). And Li-Fraumeni syndrome hints at the likelihood of a malignant tumor in the brain, pancreas or adrenal glands.

Instrumental research and use of high-tech equipment

Any suspicion of the presence of malignant tumors in the body is necessarily accompanied by attempts by specialists to look inside the body or scan it in order to confirm or deny the presence of a cancerous tumor. These extremely informative diagnostic methods include:

6. X-ray methods

These include simple, inexpensive and fairly common methods for detecting tumors, among which the most notable are:

• Fluorography. This research method is known to absolutely everyone, because in our country it is one of the mandatory diagnostic methods that makes it possible to detect lung cancer at an early stage.
• Ultrasound diagnostics. This research method does not always make it possible to detect cancer at the earliest stages, but it is an absolutely painless way to examine in real time almost any organ in the human body and draw certain conclusions regarding the presence or absence of oncology.
• Mammography– a method used to examine the mammary glands in women and detect breast cancer.
• R-graphy using barium. This name hides a study of the stomach, which makes it possible to determine the presence of malignant tumors by the location of the barium solution on the walls of the organ.
• Computed tomography (CT) is a method of layer-by-layer scanning of the body using x-rays. It is much more informative than ultrasound, as it clearly outlines the tumor. In recent years, this method has been significantly improved, and therefore today multislice computed tomography (MSCT) is more often prescribed to detect cancer.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This method of layer-by-layer scanning of the body allows us to identify even the smallest tumors, reaching 2-3 mm in diameter. The method is considered more advanced in comparison with CT, and also safer, because in this case, the patient is not exposed to x-rays. The disadvantages of such diagnostics include the high cost of the study and the lack of equipment in small medical centers. In addition, MRI is not performed on overly obese patients and people who are terrified of confined spaces.

7. Endoscopic methods

Such research methods involve the introduction of special instruments into the patient’s body in order to study the condition of the tissue surface and identify malignant neoplasms. True, they are carried out only for hollow internal organs.

Endoscopic methods for detecting cancer include:

• laryngoscopy (detects oncology of the larynx, throat and pharynx);
• hysteroscopy (method for detecting cervical cancer);
• cystoscopy (a way to detect bladder cancer);
• fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS), (a method for examining the stomach, esophagus, duodenum, and detecting oncology of these organs);
• colonoscopy (detection of colon cancer);
• laparoscopy (a surgical method that allows access to various internal organs through three small punctures in the skin).

It should be noted that most endoscopic methods allow not only to examine certain organs, but also to take tissue fragments for biopsy and remove small tumors.

Regular screening for cancer should become the norm, especially for middle-aged and older people. Such care for your own body will be the key to health and the absence of serious diseases until old age.
Take care of yourself!