Finding cancer at the earliest possible stage is often the key to cancer recovery. Cancer may feel like a lump, or it may not feel like anything. You may have symptoms such as fatigue, coughing, swelling, pain, weight loss or unusual skin color or bumps. You may show no symptoms at all.
Either way, waiting for the final diagnosis can be mentally and physically exhausting.
“How will I feel before diagnosis?”
INTEGRIS Oncology Services offers many cancer-screening programs to do just that.
What is a screening?
Screening for cancer is an examination for early signs of a certain type of cancer even though the patient has no symptoms. Scientists have studied patterns of cancer in the population to learn which people are more likely to get certain types of cancer. They have also studied what things around us and what things we do in our lives may cause cancer. This information helps doctors recommend who should be screened for certain types of cancer, what types of screening tests people should have, and how often these tests should be done. Not all screening tests are helpful for all people, and some have risks. For this reason, scientists at the National Cancer Institute are studying many screening tests to find out how useful they are.
If your doctor suggests certain cancer screening tests as part of your health care plan, this does not mean he or she thinks you have cancer. Screening tests are done when you have no symptoms.
If you have signs or symptoms of cancer, your doctor will order certain tests to see whether you have cancer. These are called diagnostic tests.
Family Risk Assessments:
The family cancer risk program at INTEGRIS Health provides education and genetic counseling for individuals and families who may have an increased risk of cancer. The most common types of inheritable cancer are breast, ovarian, colon and endometrial. This program includes an individualized, confidential cancer risk assessment based upon personal and family history, as well as a personal plan for risk reduction. Genetic testing is available and may be appropriate for some individuals. The goal of the specialists with the Risk Program is to help individuals and families live healthier lives by assisting them to identify cancer risks and cancer risk reduction strategies and collaborate with them to formulate personalized surveillance strategies for early detection and prevention in a supportive environment. For genetics information call Glenda Bell, MS, ARNP, Research Program Coordinator.
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