Testing Center
In order to accurately predict, detect, diagnose, stage and treat cancer doctors use a variety of laboratory tests. The testing center provides an overview and explanation of all the tests used by doctors that are related to predicting, detecting, diagnosing, and monitoring cancer. Broadly, these tests fall into broad categories that includes Genetic Tests, Screening Tests and Diagnostic & Monitoring Tests.
Genetic Tests
Genetic Tests are used to determine if an individual has an inherited genetic mutation that substantially increases the risk of certain types of cancer. For example, women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation have a high risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. Women who learn that they carry one of these mutations can take steps to reduce their risk of developing cancer or to detect it at the earliest stage possible. Specific genetic tests are increasingly being defined for a growing number of cancers; To learn more about genetic testing, visit Genetic Tests.
Screening Tests
Screening Tests and Procedures are used for the early detection of cancer in individuals who do not have any symptoms of cancer, but are known to be at risk for developing certain types of cancer. For many types of cancer, progress in the area of cancer screening has offered promise for earlier detection, which often results in higher cure rates. Routine screening tests for the early detection of cancer now exist for breast, colon, cervical, and many other cancer types; To learn more about the tests and procedures used for the early detection of cancer, visit Screening Tests.
Diagnostic Testing & Evaluation
Diagnostic Tests are used to accurately diagnose cancer and other diseases, determine prognosis, and monitor cancer recurrence and the safety of treatment. Diagnostic tests are used to diagnose primary disease, identify cancer subtype, predict prognosis, direct treatment, evaluate response to treatment, detect minimal residual disease, and monitor remission or progression. There are a number of diagnostic tests that fall into five categories: pathology, diagnostic imaging, blood tests, tumor marker tests, and genomics; To learn more, visit Diagnostic and Monitoring Tests.
