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Table of Contents

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Overview: Cancer Screening & Testing .......................................................................... 2Screening (Imaging) Tests ............................................................................................... 3 Mammogram ............................................................................................................... 4 Colonoscopy ................................................................................................................ 6 Pap Smear .................................................................................................................... 8 Lung Screening ............................................................................................................ 10Visual Tests ....................................................................................................................... 12 Skin Scan of Body ........................................................................................................ 13 Oral Screening ............................................................................................................. 15 Physical Exam .............................................................................................................. 17 Prostate Cancer Exam .................................................................................................19 Eye Exam ...................................................................................................................... 21 Cervical Test ................................................................................................................. 24Laboratory Tests .............................................................................................................. 25 Blood Test .................................................................................................................... 26 Urine Test ..................................................................................................................... 28 Stool Lab Test .............................................................................................................. 31Diagnostic Testing ............................................................................................................ 33Genetic Testing ................................................................................................................. 37Home Testing Kits ............................................................................................................ 41Screening & Testing Chart .............................................................................................. 42


Schedule Screening & Testing

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Screen & test regularly so you can spot cancer early

Screenings and testings are an integral part of early cancer detection. Your doctor will recommend a frequency schedule for you based on your risk factors and family history. Most cancers are now curable* if detected early enough. Monitor your body regularly for cancer signs and symptoms and make it your responsibility to schedule timely doctor visits, screenings, and visual tests.

Need help building a habit for spotting cancer early?Click here to join the Cancer Detection Squad!

https://www.spottingcancer.org/cancer-detection-squad


Screening (Imaging) Tests

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Screening tests are either done by an imaging process or visually conducted by a specialized professional. These tests are typically set up on a regular basis with your medical team and are typically noninvasive and vary by age, family history, and environment. Cancer screenings aim to detect cancer before symptoms appear. Screening tests results are not 100% foolproof. If signs of cancer are detected, more definition and invasive follow-up tests may be required.

What are the screening & testings that you need to undergo?

Need help building a habit for spotting cancer early?



Screening & Testing: Mammogram

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A Mammogram is an X-ray picture of your breast. There are two types of mammograms: screening and diagnostic. Screening mammograms are used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. Diagnostic mammograms are used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign of the disease has been found. Mammograms miss about 20% of breast cancer at the time of screening, giving false results mainly due to dense or fatty tissue. Breast implants can impact results as well.

There are two types of test methods: digital and conventional. The difference is how images are stored to date; no advantages have been found by using one of them. Screening mammograms usually involve two X-ray pictures (or images) of each breast. The X-ray images make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt. Screening mammograms can also find tiny deposits of calcium that sometimes indicate the presence of breast cancer. A mammogram is a good method to detect cancer early, thus increasing the possibility of successful treatment. There is no special preparation required. Diagnostic mammograms require more X-rays to obtain views from several angles to get greater details. Women with implants must notify the facility conducting the tests to insure special procedures, if necessary, are followed.

What is a Mammogram?

Screening Methods:



https://www.spottingcancer.org Page 5

There is no special preparation required before undergoing this procedure.

Try to avoid scheduling your mammogram before or during your menstrual cycle, as this will make your mammogram more uncomfortable. Having regular mammograms can lower your risk of dying from breast cancer. It is best to establish a screening program with your medical team who will consider your family history, your own health history, and the environment you live in. It is suggested by the medical community that if you are 50 to 74 years old, you have a screening mammogram every two years. If you are 40 to 49 years old or over 74, talk to your doctor about how often to get a screening mammogram.

Preparation: When:

Watch this video to see what happens during a mammogram screening.


https://youtu.be/vRlOOTkz9jc



Screening & Testing: Colonoscopy

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A colonoscopy is a test that looks at the inner lining of the large intestine and rectum. It is used to determine if there are any polyps or growths in the tissue that line the inner surface. It is considered a cancer screening process for early cancer detection.

A colonoscopy is a test that looks at the inner lining of the large intestine and rectum. It is used to determine if there are any polyps or growths in the tissue that line the inner surface. It is considered a cancer screening process for early cancer detection.

What is a Colonoscopy?

Screening Methods:


here are various ways you can prepare for a colonoscopy. Your doctor should recommend a specific method for you.

This may include:1. Follow a special diet for a day2. Take a laxative3. Use an enema

Preparation:



(Methods and preparation procedures may vary.)

Based on personal family history, the founders of Spotting Cancer Corporation agree that routine colonoscopies should start no later than age 40 to 45, but strong-ly suggest that you consult your medical team as to when you should have YOUR first colonoscopy. Your family health and dietary history, plus any impact of the environment you live in, will influence this decision, often resulting in a recommendation for initial colonoscopy occurring well under the age of 50.

A colonoscopy may also be scheduled for a diagnostic reason, such as:

1. Blood in stool2. Chronic diarrhea3. Sudden weight loss4. Long-term belly pain

When:Watch this video to see what happens during a colonoscopy screening.


https://youtu.be/IG9jpwxuxMw



Screening & Testing: Pap Smear

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There are two types of Pap tests: a Pap smear and HPV testing.

Pap tests (also known as Pap smears, cervi-cal smears and smear tests) are a method of cervical screening used to detect the presence of potentially pre-cancerous and cancerous elements in the endocervical canal. Pap tests, when combined with a regular program of screening and follow-ups, can substantially reduce cancer deaths. The tests are performed at your doctor’s office.

Pap tests are used to detect abnormal cells, while HPV tests are used to look for the pres-ence of the HPV virus.

A Pap smear is performed by opening the vaginal canal with a speculum, and then collecting cells from the cervix and the endocervical canal. The cells are examined under a microscope to look for abnormalities. Pap smears remain the most common method of cervical screening in the United States today.

What is a Pap Smear

Screening Methods:




Do not have intercourse or use lubricants for 24 hours before the test.

Pap tests should not occur during menstruation. In the United States, Pap smear screenings are recommended starting around age 21 until the age of 65. Guidelines on frequency vary from every three years to every five years. If results are abnormal, the test may need to be repeated in six to twelve months, depending on the nature of the abnormality. Specific testing frequency should be established with your medical team.

Preparation: When:

Watch this video to see what happens during a pap smear screening.


https://youtu.be/8HvHqp_hQic



Screening & Testing: Lung Screening

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Lung screenings are recommended only for adults who do NOT have any symptoms of cancer but are at high risk, and only after consulting their medical team. The sole test to be performed is a low-dose CT Scan.

WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED:

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends yearly lung cancer screenings for those with heavy smoking history of 30 pack years or more. A pack year is smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year. For example, a person could have a 30 pack-year history by smoking 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years.

The scan is performed by laying down on a table that moves through a donut shaped x-ray machine. The machine captures multiple images using a low dosage of radiation. The various x-ray pictures are processed by a computer to create a detailed image of the lungs. The scan is painless and is quick, (about 5 minutes).

What is a Lung Screening

Screening Methods:




There is no special preparation required. Yearly lung cancer screenings are also recommended for those who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, and those who are between 55 and 80 years old.

Preparation: When:

Watch this video to see what happens during a lung screening.


https://youtu.be/oJDSVx0VP-A



Visual Tests

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Visual tests are typically done by your medical specialist during routine scheduled visits. They are non-invasive, and normally done by looking at your general appearance, touching and questioning you. Sometimes special tools or medical devices are used.





Screening & Testing: Skin Scan of Body

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Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. However, if detected at an early stage and treated in a timely manner is highly curable. Skin scans check for changes in existing moles, birthmarks, sores or other marks as to their color size, shape, or texture.

There are many types of skin cancer: actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and finally, melanoma, which is the deadliest.

A skin cancer screening should be done by a medical professional. The process takes about 10 minutes. During this time, every part of your body from head to toe will be visually inspected. Some spots will be looked at with a bright light and a magnifying glass. If there is an area that looks questionable, a biopsy is taken, and the sample is sent to a lab for evaluation.

Ask your medical professional to provide you with a detailed copy of the screening chart. This will assist you during your self-exam so you can determine any changes that may have occurred.

kin cancer can occur any place on your body. It can also occur frequently in unexpected or difficult areas to see, such as in between your toes or on your back. It is critical to have an initial visit with your skin doctor to establish a charted baseline, which you can then use for self-exams and for follow-up visits with your medical provider.

What is a Skin Scan

Screening Methods:




Wear no makeup or nail polish. Hair should be loose.

This is just one example of a skin cancer screening. The processes vary, depending on your doctor’s office or screening center.

There is no substitute for yearly examinations from your dermatologist or physician. If you are in a high-risk category for skin cancer, you will be advised to have regular exams more frequently, as pre-scribed by your medical team or provider.

In addition, it is critical to give yourself a monthly self-exam and document any changes. Should you see any changes, consult your medical team immediately for further direction.

Preparation: When:

Watch this video to see what happens during a skin cancer screening.


https://youtu.be/Ywr-4uXgAh8



Screening & Testing: Oral Screening

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Oral cancer may not be as high profile as other types of cancers, but that does not mean it is any less deadly. Early detection has been shown to increase the survival rate of oral cancer. Oral cancer screenings can truly save lives. The screening should be conducted as part of regular dental cleanings.

An oral cancer examination is fast and painless. There is an extensive protocol screening procedure established by the Oral Cancer Foundation. Its objective is to identify small changes in the lining tissues of the mouth, lips, cheeks, the roof of the mouth, under the tongue, behind wisdom teeth, throat and tongue that may signify the early stages of cancer. The screening is primarily a visual and tactile (touch) examination inside of your mouth, including a check for red or white patches or unusual sores. You may be palpated (pressed with fingers) to detect the presence of lumps and swellings, and your tongue may be gently pulled aside for a better view. The doctor may use a special light, dye or other procedure to check any areas that look suspect. If anything appears to be out of the ordinary, a biopsy or thorough diagnostic testing will be performed.

What is an Oral Screening

Screening Methods:




Brush your teeth before an oral cancer examination. Also, make sure that you have eliminated all residuals from food and candy leaving a dye color in your mouth.

Each time you have your teeth cleaned at the dentist; no less than once a year.

Preparation: When:

Watch this video to see what happens during an oral cancer screening.


https://youtu.be/w6p_BYAKfuc



Screening & Testing: Physical Exam

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An annual physical examination is a process by which a medical professional examines and discusses with you your concerns so they can give you the reassurance that you are healthy. However, it can also be used as an alarm system to catch health problems at an early stage. You should begin the Spotting Cancer Program by having a physical exam with your primary medical advisor to establish a base-line of your health for future comparisons.

During this routine, the doctor will:

1. Review your family medical history.2. Discuss any complaints, concerns or changes you have noticed.3. Ask about your lifestyle.4. Look at your general appearance.5. Take your blood pressure, temperature, weight and oxygen levels.

6. Perform heart, lungs, head and neck, skin and neurological checks7. Check your body for lumps.8. Do a complete blood count and urinalysis. Sometimes a stool test is also recommended.9. Review and modify monitoring programs and medications based on your physical condition and needs.

What is a Physical Exam by a Medical Team

Screening Methods:




Bring your Family Cancer History Chart to your first appointment for your doctor to review.Write down a list of questions and issues – body changes, eating habits, bowel movement irregularities, mood changes, etc.

It is also critical to contact your medical team if any red flags arise during your self-exams, or if/when you notice a cancer sign or symptom. Remember cancer is NOT self-healing, and it must be treated IMMEDIATELY in hopes of containing it to Stage 1.

Annually.

Preparation: When:

Watch this video to see what happens during a physical exam by a medical team.


https://www.spottingcancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/family-biological-cancer-history-chart.pdf

https://youtu.be/KTKkFP-QX3k



Screening & Testing: Prostate Cancer Exam

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Prostate cancer screenings are offered to men as early as 40 and as late as 75 years old.

The tests discussed below are used to look for the warning signs of prostate cancer. If you receive an abnormal result from one of these tests, you may need a prostate biopsy to determine if you have cancer. There are also non-cancer reasons why the screening test may come back abnormal.

There are two tests to detect prostate cancer; no special preparation is required for either test.

1. Digital rectal exam (DRE) is an exam of the rectum. The doctor or nurse inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the lower part of the rectum to feel the prostate for lumps, firmness, asymmetry or anything else that seems unusual.2. Prostate specific antigen test (PSA) is a test that measures the level of PSA in the blood. This is detected from a vial of blood that’s drawn in the doctor’s office and sent to the lab. PSA is a protein made mostly by the prostate that may be found in an increased amount in the blood of men who have prostate cancer. The level of PSA may also be high in men who have an infection or inflammation of the prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH—an enlarged, but non-cancerous, prostate).If any abnormalities are detected, a biopsy or ultrasound may be ordered. Sometimes imaging tests, such as CAT scans or MRIs, may also be recommended.

What is a Prostate Exam

Screening Methods:




There are no special instructions for this screening.

Screening tests are given when you have no cancer symptoms. They should be performed on a regular basis, generally once a year when visiting your doctor’s of-fice.

Preparation: When:

Watch this video to see whathappens during a prostate exam.


https://youtu.be/_y45VXgHvz4



Screening & Testing: Eye Exam

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An eye exam involves a series of tests to evaluate your vision and check for eye diseases. While there are no standardized screening tests for eye cancer detection, it is recommended that everyone have annual, dilated eye exams that include evaluations for signs of cancer by an ophthalmologist. Depending on what your eye care professional sees on examination, further testing or referral to an ocular oncologist may be necessary.

During regular eye examinations, your optometrist or ophthalmologist should use eye drops to widen, or “dilate” your pupils. This makes it easier to for the eye care professional to see and properly evaluate the back of the eye, which includes a tissue called the retina. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to fully dilate most pupils, but some patients’ eyes take longer to dilate, or more than one round of drops is needed to properly dilate. The dilating drops may cause stinging of the eyes or produce a medicine-like taste in your mouth. When your pupils are dilated, your doctor will shine a bright light into your eyes and examine them using a lamp and an instrument called an ophthalmoscope. Your doctor may also use eye drops to numb the surface of your eyes.

What is an Eye Exam

Screening Methods:



Some types of cancer of the eye can be more challenging to diagnose than others. Ocular lymphoma, for example, can appear as inflammation in the jelly-like substance inside the eye called the vitreous. Typically a biopsy is needed to confirm a suspected diagnosis of ocular lymphoma.

Your vision, especially up close, will be blurry for several hours after the examination (usually 4 – 6 hours). Reading and any other near tasks, including text messaging and use of a computer, will be challenging until the dilation effect has worn off. This is normal and expected. You will probably be able to go home or back to your usual activities right away, but be sure to protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses, as your eyes will be very light sensitive until the dilation wears off.

Additional testing may include:

Ultrasound. If anything suspicious is seen on initial exam at the microscope or with the ophthalmoscope, an ultrasound may be performed. A numbing drop will be placed in your eye. Then the doctor or ultrasonographer will move a small probe over the surface of your eye or eyelids to further evaluate the size, shape, and configuration of what was seen during the exam. This might be a little uncomfortable, but it should not be painful.

Biopsy. If indicated, and after discussion of the risks and benefits, your ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who has also undergone extensive training in evaluation and treatment of eye diseases including eye surgery) will use a small, hair-like needle to remove a sample of the fluid from inside your eye (vitreous). This sample will be sent to a lab, where a pathologist will examine it to see if there are any lymphoma cells. This procedure is done in an operating room while you are sedated with anesthesia. There is little to no recovery time in most circumstances. Biopsies are also used to evaluate for and diagnose other types of eye cancers on occasion. If you are diagnosed with any eye cancer, discuss with your ocular oncologist whether a biopsy is indicated and what information it could provide.





Due to the light sensitivity that occurs following dilation, you should arrange a ride to and from the appointment.

If you are having a general eye examination, it is recommended to remove your contact lenses prior to the evaluation.

If you are having a contact lens evaluation, you should wear your contact lenses so that the optometrist or ophthalmologist can check for proper fit and position.

Tests are normally done once a year.

Preparation: When:

Watch this video to see what happens during an eye exam.


https://youtu.be/m-1cwwDEHJ8



Screening & Testing: Cervical Test

Page 24

Cervical tests are used to look for large lesions or ulcerations on the cervix.

The doctor examines the cervix using a speculum to identify large lesions or ulcerations of the cervix. The test takes about 5 minutes.

Do not have intercourse or use lubricants for 24 hours before the test.

Tests are normally done once every 3 years.

Schedule your Pap test outside of your menstruation cycle.

What is a Cervical Test

Screening Methods:

Preparation:

When:




Laboratory Tests

Page 25

Laboratory tests can help the early detection of cancer or confirm its presence. Most laboratory tests take place in medical facilities. Many laboratory tests are done routinely during annual physical exams to detect any abnormalities. Laboratory tests are also ordered by your medical team when certain signs are detected or symptoms occur.





Screening & Testing: Blood Test

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A complete blood count is a test to check your levels of certain blood cells. This is part of your routine medical checkup. Your doctor will order cancer blood tests to look for signs of cancer, but that doesn’t mean that you’ve been diagnosed with cancer; it’s simply a typical screening process that’s part of a physical exam. Blood tests generally cannot definitively tell whether you have cancer or some other noncancerous condition, but they can give your doctor clues about what is going on inside your body.

There are several types of blood tests. A complete blood count (CBC) is a common blood test used to help diagnose some blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

A CBC measures your levels of three different types of blood cells: white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Each of these measurements has a normal range that will be noted on your CBC. Typical test values are given as a range (called a reference range) instead of a specific number because they vary from person to person.

What is a Blood Test

Screening Methods:




Follow your doctors’ directions. Sometimes they will have you fast before your blood test. Check with your doctor to see if it is alright to drink water to stay hydrated.

Other types of blood tests:

Blood protein testing: A test to examine various proteins in your blood. It can aid in detecting certain abnormal immune system proteins, which are sometimes elevated in people with multiple myeloma.Tumor marker tests: Tumor markers are chemicals made by tumor cells that can be detected in your blood. The best way to use tumor markers in diagnosing cancer hasn’t yet been determined.Circulating tumor cell tests: Experimental blood tests are being developed to find cells that have broken away from an original cancer site and are floating in the bloodstream. More research is needed to understand how these tests can help doctors diagnose advanced cancers.Though blood tests can give your doctor clues, other tests are usually necessary to make the diagnosis. For most forms of cancer, a biopsy is usually necessary to make a definitive diagnosis.

As part of a routine medical exam or when symptoms are brought to the doctor’s attention.

Preparation: When:

Watch this video to see what happens during a blood test.


https://youtu.be/0AVkU9Hs7VM



Screening & Testing: Urine Test

Page 28

This test looks at a sample of your urine to see if it contains abnormal cells. It is usually a routine test performed in conjunction with a physical exam. The test is used to diagnose abnormalities or microscopic (not visible without a microscope) blood in the urine. Blood in the urine can be a sign of a cancer in the urinary tract. This includes cancer of the kidney, bladder, prostate, uterus, as well as the urethra (the tube through which urine leaves the bladder when you urinate).If there is blood in the urine, your doctor may send a urine sample to look for cancer cells. This test is called urine cytology. A pathologist looks at the cells from your urine sample under a microscope. Cancer cells sometimes have a distinct appearance; in most cases, when you have cells that look like cancer, it’s a sign that you have cancer somewhere in your urinary tract.

Most of the time, a clean-catch urine sample is collected in your doctor’s office or at home. This is done by urinating into a special container. The clean-catch method is used to prevent germs from the penis or vagina from entering the urine sample. To collect urine, your health care provider may give you a special clean-catch kit that contains a cleansing solution and sterile wipes.

What is a Urine Test

Screening Methods:




Wash your hands to make sure they are clean before collecting the urine.If the collection cup has a lid, remove it carefully and set it down with the inner surface up. Do not touch the inside of the cup with your fingers.Clean the area around your genitals.

Retract foreskin, if present, and clean the head of the penis with medicated towelettes or swabs.

A woman should spread open the genital folds of skin with one hand. Then she can use her other hand to clean the area around the urethra with medicated towelettes or swabs. She should wipe the area from the front to the back so bacteria from the anus is not wiped across the urethra.

1. Begin urinating into the toilet or urinal. A woman should hold apart her genital folds of skin while she urinates.2. After the urine has flowed for several seconds, place the collection cup into the urine stream and collect about 2 fluid ounces of this “midstream” urine, without stopping your flow of urine.3. Do not touch the rim of the cup to your genital area. Do not get toilet paper, pubic hair, stool (feces), menstrual blood, or anything else in the urine sample.4. Finish urinating in the toilet or urinal.5. Carefully replace and tighten the lid on the cup, and then return it to the lab. If you are collecting the urine at home and cannot get it to a lab within an hour, refrigerate it.

Clean-catch, midstream urine collection:

Men

Women

Steps:



Preparation: When:

Watch this video to see what happens during a urine test.


Do not eat foods that can color the urine, such as blackberries, beets and rhubarb, before the test. Do not exercise strenuously before the test. Tell your doctor if you are menstruating or close to starting your period. Your doctor may want to wait before you take the test.

During routine doctor visits or when blood is seen in the urine. Not during your menstrual period.


https://youtu.be/S49nUD-iA4A



Screening & Testing: Stool Lab Test

Page 31

A stool analysis is a series of tests done on a stool sample to help diagnose certain conditions affecting the digestive system. Stool lab tests are used to find hidden blood.

Typically, occult blood is passed in such small amounts that it can be detected only through the chemicals used in a fecal occult blood test (FOBT). If blood is detected through a fecal blood test, additional tests may be needed to determine the source of the bleeding. The fecal occult blood test can only detect the presence or absence of blood; it does not indicate the potential sources of bleeding.

The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) typically requires the collection of three stool samples. The stool sample should be taken one day apart, rather than back-to-back, because colon cancers don’t necessarily bleed consistently. It is best to catch the fecal matter before it enters the toilet. You can purchase fecal occult blood test kits at the pharmacy to perform the test at home, or your doctor may give you the home test during your appointment. The stool samples are collected in a clean container. The container should be sealed in a plastic bag and put in the refrigerator until it is given to the doctor or lab. These are evaluated by sending the samples, in a special container and envelope, directly to the doctor’s office or designated laboratory for analysis.

What is a Stool Test

Screening Methods:



Preparation: When:

Watch this video to see what happens during a stool test.


The fecal occult blood test results are largely affected by how you prepare for the test, so it is important to follow instructions carefully. Since certain foods can alter test results, a special diet is often recommended 48 to 72 hours before the test. Make sure no red food of any kind is eaten for two days prior to the test.

To allow for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, the fecal occult blood test is recommended yearly for everyone. This annual test may be recommended along with a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. A negative test result means that no blood was found in the stool sample during the testing period.


https://youtu.be/WThuP8RrRrk



Diagnostic Testing

Page 33

Diagnostic tests are typically done as a follow up to abnormal conditions found during screening or routine laboratory tests. The results help the medical team to diagnose and confirm the presence or absence of a specific disease. Diagnostic testing procedures depend on the type of test being performed.





Screening & Testing: Diagnostic Tests

Page 34

Diagnostic tests are prescribed by your medical team typically if an abnormality has been detected during physical testing or routine screening. These tests are generally a step two and are not done without having at least one office visit with your medical provider. During the visit you will be given direction on procedure and prep information.

1. Biopsy – An examination of tissue removed from the body to discover the presence, possible cause, and extent of any disease. It is the only way to make a definitive cancer diagnosis as it analyzes an actual tissue. Many times a Biopsy is taken as part of an endoscopy examination. Tissue or cell samples are taken depending on the specific location to be tested. The tissue is sent to a laboratory for further evaluation. It normally takes a few days to evaluate. Some of the methods used to biopsy:

2. Endoscopy – tube-like instrument with strong light source at the end used to look inside your body and send images to a screen. There is an attachment that can be used to take a biopsy tissue or remove small polyps during the examination. There are three basic types :

Needles BiopsyCore Biopsy 6 ½ inches long

Bronchoscopy- view your bronchial tube and lungCystoscopy- an examination of the urethra and inside of the bladderSee Colonoscopy section.

What is a diagnostic test?




3. Ultrasound– (also called sonography or ultrasonography) uses high-frequency waves to create a picture of internal organs. A tumor generates different echoes of the sound waves than normal tissue does, so when the waves are bounced back to a computer and changed into images, the doctor can locate a tumor inside the body. The test uses a sonar device normally placed externally.

4. Bone Scan Imaging – a bone scan is a diagnostic imaging test used to determine if your bone is damaged, either from cancer or from some other cause. The scan will detect cancer that has started in your bones, as well as cancer that has metastasized (spread) to the bone from other areas of your body. A bone scan involves an injection of a small amount of radiation material into a vein. The solution then travels to the bones and organs. The radiation is detected by a camera that slowly scans your body. Tests can take from 3 to 4 hours.

5. Computed Tomography (CT) Scan – A computed tomography (CT) scan, also called a CT scan, is a diagnostic exam used to detect tumors inside your body and can determine the stage of the disease and whether cancerous cells have spread. It uses a special x-ray.

6. PET Scan – An integrated PET-CT scan combines images from a positron emission tomography (PET) scan and a computed tomography (CT) scan that have been performed at the same time using the same machine. Because a CT scan provides detailed pictures of tissues and organs inside the body, while a PET scan reveals any abnormal activity that might be going on there, combining these scans creates more complete image than either test can offer alone. For a CT or PET scan you will lie on your back with arms raised (a narrow table that slides into the center of a round scanner). X-ray begins rotating around you taken from different angles on a computer program to create cross sectional images. Many times a contrast material is used to enhance visibility.




7. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – is a noninvasive way for your doctor to examine your organs, tissues and skeletal system. It produces high-resolution images that help diagnose a variety of problems. Magnetic resonance imaging is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of tissues, organs, and structure inside the body. In many cases, MRI gives different information about structures in the body that can be seen with other imaging methods. Most MRI machines are large, tubed-shaped magnets. When you lie inside an MRI machine, the magnetic field temporarily realigns hydrogen atoms in your body. Radio waves cause these aligned atoms to produce very faint signals, which are used to create crisscross-sectional MRI images. The MRI machine can also be used to produce 3-D images that can be viewed from many angles.

8. Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy – a bone marrow biopsy and aspiration is a diagnostic examination of the bone marrow that can provide information about the development and function of blood cells.

9. X-rays – are a form of electromagnetic radiation as is visible light. An x-ray can penetrate or pass through the human body and produce shadow like images of structure. It is a nonmoving image and noninvasive. The low radiation doses used generally produce NO adverse effects.

10. Mammogram – See Mammogram section.




Genetic Testing

Page 37

Genetic Tests help estimate chances of contracting cancer in your lifetime by searching for specific changes in mutations (your genes, your chromosomes, or proteins).

Genetic Testing is most frequently used to determine if you have inherited genes that can pass cancer from parent to child. It may also help to estimate your chances of developing cancer in your lifetime. The test is generally not done until your primary doctor has discussed testing with you and you have consulted with a genetic specialist.





Screening & Testing: Genetic Testing & Counseling

Page 38

Today’s genetic tests may be totally different from tomorrow’s tests. Genetic Testing is use of medical tests to look at mutations in a person. In this section the discussion is limited to genetic testing for cancer and mainly to determine if certain hereditary inherited mutation “genes” may pass from one blood relative to another that could impact one’s potential risk for a disease.

It’s important to note that NO genetic test can report with 100% certainty that a person will or will not develop cancer. About 5 to 10% of all cancers are inherited. Keep in mind that genetic testing is not for everyone. It involves many ethical, legal, and social issues that require careful consideration. Therefore it should be made in collaboration with a person’s entire family as well as their doctor and genetic counselor. Be sure to ask your medical team what are typical of criteria in determining who should have genetic testing.

1. Complete the Cancer Family History Chart. This is critical in assessing the pattern of cancer in your family.2. Discuss the chart with your primary medical doctor and have him refer you to a genetic counselor.

What is genetic testing?

Testing Consideration:

How to Proceed:


https://www.spottingcancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/family-biological-cancer-history-chart.pdf


The Test:

Why Genetic Testing:

Genetic Screening Questions:


Undergoing genetic testing involves sampling a body fluid usually blood. The sample is sent to a laboratory that specializes in genetic testing.

About 5 to 10% of all cancers are inherited. This means that specific hereditary genes are passed from one blood relative to another. Until you are tested, it is nearly impossible to determine which bracket you fall into.

Individuals who inherit an abnormal gene will greater chance of developing cancer within their lifetime and at an early age. Genetic testing can help a person understand the cause of cancer and the risk of developing cancer in the future or passing it on to their children.

Genetic testing is a personal decision that should be made in collaboration with a person’s entire family as well as their doctor. Keep in mind that genetic testing is not for everyone. It involves many ethical, legal and social issues that require careful consideration.

By having a genetic counselor evaluate your family history, you can make a more informed decision about whether genetic testing may be appropriate for you and your family.

Genetic counseling is highly recommended if you answer yes to any of the following:Do you have a close relative that was diagnosed with cancer at an early age?Do you have more than one blood relative that has had the same type of cancer? If yes, is the same cancer found in more than one generation or multiple cases in your family?Has anyone in your family had more than one type of cancer other than basal or squamous skin cancers?Has anyone in your family had cancer on both sides of their organs? This includes the breasts, kidneys and eyes.Are you related to someone who is known to have an inherited a genetic mutation that can cause cancer?



Impact of Genetic Testing:

The Results:


Before being tested, be sure you have a complete understanding of the risks involved and your reasons for wanting a test. It is also helpful to think about how you will cope with the results.

To relieve uncertainty. Testing information may relive the anxiety and uncertainty of not knowing your gene status. For some people, knowing is better than not knowing.

Testing may cause depression, anxiety or guilt. If a person receives a positive test result (meaning a mutation exists), it may cause anxiety or depression about the possibility of developing cancer. Some people may think of themselves as sick, even if they never end up developing cancer. If a person does not have a mutation but members of their family do, they may experience feelings of guilt.

The results may help determine whether members of your family face higher risks for certain types of cancer. They can also help with the diagnosis, treatment and/or future management for all family members. Test results will also assist your medical team in developing a monitoring program for early detection and treatment should any family member bediagnosed with the disease.




Home Testing Kits

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At present time there are few home test kits available to help the early detection of cancer. However, there are many new kits in the research and development stages. It is expected that additional suppliers and kits will become available. Test kits should be used as directed by your medical team.





Screening & Testing Chart

Page 42





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