Diagnosis of Cancer

Abstract

Cancer has a higher chance of being cured when it is diagnosed, detected, and treated early. Diagnosis of cancer in its early stages also results in the highest chance of survival with the improvement of lifestyle of cancer patients. A comprehensive physical exam and a full family medical history are needed before a cancer diagnosis can be made. Self-examination or other screening procedures will normally detect visible forms of cancers, such as melanoma and breast cancer, before the condition progresses. However, several forms of other types of cancer are discovered and diagnosed after disease development and severe signs have already occurred. This chapter discusses the diagnostic approaches that are often utilized to aid in the diagnosis of cancer.<br>