Cancer Tests

Cancer is a broad term used for a group of illnesses that occur when abnormal cells split fast and start spreading to other tissues and organs. It is widely accepted that cancer is the one of the main reasons for death in the world. If you suspect that you might be suffering from cancer then getting a Cancer Test is the best way to determine and clearly diagnose your condition.

A Cancer Test that is specific to the kind of symptoms you might be experiencing can help in diagnosing this serious illness and help you in getting the necessary treatment so that you can fight it. A Cancer Test is generally a blood test that can help in diagnosing which kind of cancer you might be suffering from so that correct treatment can be administered. The Cancer Test sample is taken by the phlebotomist by taking a small amount of blood from your vein. The sample is then sent to the lab to perform the test specific to the Cancer Test package you have chosen.

Some general symptoms that people who suffer from cancer might experience:

• Weight Loss
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Changes in skin
• Sores that don't heal
• Cough or hoarseness for a long time
• Unusual bleeding

Why Cancer Testing is important?

Usually, in a healthy body, cells grow, divide, and die as per the requirements of the body. Cells that are healthy have a specific life cycle, multiplying and dying as per their specific type. Cancer is a situation where there is an imbalance in the process of cell destruction and reproduction. This is caused by changes in DNA, DNA instructs the cells on specific functions, growth and death. Usually if DNA mutates the cells correct the issues, however, when this doesn't happen a cell may become cancerous. Excessive growth of cells can cause a tumor to grow. A Cancer Test can check for the presence of tumors by tracking the antigens for the specific cancer.

There are different types of cancers that affect different organs, tissues etc. Prostate Cancer is one of the leading cancers in India; prostate cancer affects men and is generally a slow growing cancer. However, it is advisable to get a Prostate Cancer Test or PSA Test done to get a clear diagnosis. A PSA Test looks for the Prostate Specific Antigen which is elevated if one is suffering from prostate cancer. Generally, men should start getting a Prostate Cancer Test done by the age of 50 or earlier if there is a history of the disease in their family.

For women, while breast cancer is highly common, it is also essential to get other Cancer Tests done. Ovarian Cancer is one such cancer, A CA125 Test or Ovarian Cancer Marker Test can help in detecting the disease and take the necessary steps. It is advisable for women to get breast cancer and a CA125 Test done to get definitive diagnosis.

Cancer of the pancreas is a cancer that can affect anyone and getting a Pancreatic Cancer Test done is advisable in case you suspect that you might be suffering from it. While pancreatic cancer may not be extremely common, however, it is still advisable to get a Pancreatic Cancer Test and eliminate your doubts.

How Cancer Blood Test is performed?

While each specific Cancer Test looks for the signs of that specific cancer in the blood, the procedure is more or less similar. Every Cancer Test looks for the markers of the specific cancer in the blood and determines the presence of cancer.