While many of us are having thoughts of Valentine’s Day and anticipating the arrival of spring, we often forget that February is National Cancer Prevention Month. Research studies have revealed that over 40% of all diagnosed cancers and deaths resulting from this terrible disease are attributed to that which is preventable such as:
- being overweight
- excessive exposure to UV rays from the sun
- physical inactivity
- smoking
Consequently, taking preventative measures such as exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and using sunscreen to protect your skin can dramatically reduce your risk of developing certain cancers.
Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
It’s no secret that the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chance for a cure and recovering from it. In some cases, screening tests that led to an earlier diagnosis of the disease have saved lives. For other types of cancer, doctors will recommend screening tests for individuals at high risk. Doctors and healthcare professionals often take one or a combination of approaches to the diagnosis of cancer, including:
- Biopsy or cell sample
- Laboratory tests such as blood and urine tests
- Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI’s, PET scans, ultrasound, and X-rays
- Physical exam wherein the doctor checks for abnormalities and other issues that may indicate the presence of cancer
Numerous healthcare organizations and patient advocate groups have guidelines and recommendations for cancer screenings that will determine the best course of action for you to take.
The Role of Diagnostic Imaging in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer
No single test can diagnose cancer with 100% accuracy. A complete evaluation will typically require that the individual get a physical exam, discuss their family and personal medical history, and undergo diagnostic imaging. Diagnostic imaging is a process that produces images of the body’s organs and its structure. It is used to:
- assess the effectiveness of cancer treatment
- detect cancer
- determine if the cancer has spread
- identify the re-staging of an existing cancer
Diagnostic imaging plays a significant role in the diagnosis of cancer as well as with biopsies and surgical procedures. The more common types of imaging tests include:
- Computed Tomography or CT scans
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI
- Mammograms (X-ray of the breast)
- Positron Emission Tomography or PET scans
- Ultrasound
- X-rays
Doctors and specialists will often recommend a combination of imaging tests to be accurate in their diagnosis of the disease. That helps them treat the patients better and faster, so it is important to get the digital imaging done at a trusted center. For more information about National Cancer Prevention Month and cancer screenings, call Vital Imaging at (305) 596-9992.