Steps to Earlier Identification of Cancer
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in any parts of the body forming a tumor. Human beings are exposed to numerous types of cancer whereby some are common to all genders while others affect specific gender. According to Zeng & Fawzy (2017), lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and skin cancer are the common types which I think I would be susceptible to basically as a result of factors such as, gender, inherited genetic defect, age, environmental exposure and lifestyle-related factors.
The earlier cancer is detected and diagnosed the better the prospect of it being cured. The following are the steps would take to confirm diagnosis of any cancer; I would talk with my doctor about any warning signs of cancer such as lumps, persistent indigestion and abnormal bleeding who would then advise on what type of cancer screening is appropriate for me. Once the doctor has confirmed any signs of cancer, I then go through the recommended physical exams and laboratory tests. During physical examination, he or she may detect abnormalities such as skin color or growth of a body organ indicating presence of cancer (Nelson 2019). For some types of cancer, laboratory tests of blood, urine, and stool are recommended to help the doctor identify any abnormalities that can be caused by cancer. For instance, if my blood test reveal an unusual number of white blood cells, I’ll be diagnosed with Leukemia. When a tumor is detected, I go for imaging tests to determine the cancer location and size. This test may include bone scan, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and X-rays. For a diagnosis to be confirmed, a biopsy is performed by removing tissue sample from suspected tumor and studied under microscope to check for cancer cells. If the diagnosis is positive, I go for other tests to provide specific details about the cancer and seek a confirming opinion by a doctor who specializes in cancer treatment. If the diagnosis is negative for cancer and symptoms persists, further tests may be needed.
References
Nelson, B. (2019). Seeing the signs of cancer’s metabolic changes. Cancer cytopathology, ), 67-68.
Zeng, H., & Fawzy, Y. (2017). U.S. Patent No. 9,654,745. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.