|  Why screen cancer?
The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the more likely the chance for long-term survival.
How many of cancer deaths per year could be avoided through screening ?
Estimates vary from 3% to 35%, depending on a variety of assumptions (National Cancer Institute : Cancer control, objectives for the nation 1985-2000).
Who is at risk?
Some individuals are known to be at high risk for cancer, such as those with a personal history of cancer or a strong family history of cancer (in two or more first-degree relatives).
The fact that children may inherit abnormal genes that increase cancer risk is well established.
Smoking and alcohol increase risk of cancers.
But each and every one of us is potentially at risk.
Improvement in early detection
In the early stages, cancer may not show any visible symptoms. Tumor Markers appear in the blood in relation to development of some of the most important cancers.
Measurement or identification of tumor markers is useful, because it can detect substances in the blood in early stages, a signal that further medical attention is needed.
Moreover, the couple -imaging through PET Scan -and biology with Tumor Markers, deserves to be largely used : PET Scan has demonstrated an image of metastatic recurrence in 88%of cases suspected to present an occult metastatic disease on the basis of a significant elevation of cancer Tumor Markers : without the delay symptomatic metastases diagnosis involves, the adjuvant therapy undoubtedly prolongs survival. This concept can also be extended to the treatment of patients appearing clinically disease-free but with an occult disease suspicion determined through the elevation of cancer Tumor Markers confirmed with PET Scan.
The most effective strategy includes : ultrafast EBT body scanner (as performed by our partner Monaco Life Check Center, www.monacolifecheck.com), and cancer check-up blood tests by CancersafeŽ.
Warning
" What if my tumor marker tests are negative ? "
Of course, it's good news, but you must always remain vigilant.
" What if my tumor marker tests are positive ? "
This does not necessarily mean that you have a cancer. If your reading is above normal, a visit to a doctor is highly recommended.
INTERPRETING LABORATORY TESTS RESULTS
A laboratory test is a medical procedure that involves testing a sample of blood, urine, or other tissues or substances in the body. Such tests have a variety of uses. They are often used as part of a routine checkup to identify possible changes in a person's health before any symptoms occur. Laboratory tests also play an important role in diagnosis when a person has symptoms. In addition, tests may be used to help plan a patient's treatment, evaluate the response to treatment, or monitor the course of the disease over time. Laboratory test samples are analyzed to determine whether the test results fall within normal ranges. They also may be checked for changes from previous tests. Normal test values are usually given as a range, rather than as a specific number, because normal values vary from person to person. What is normal for one person may not be normal for another person. Many factors (including the patient's sex, age, race, medical history, and general health) can affect test results. Other factors that sometimes affect test results include specific foods, drugs the patient is taking, how closely the patient follows preparatory instructions, and variations in laboratory techniques. It is also common for normal ranges to vary somewhat from laboratory to laboratory. Some laboratory tests are precise, reliable indicators of specific health problems while others provide more general information that simply gives doctors clues to possible health problems. Information obtained from laboratory tests may help doctors decide whether other tests or procedures are needed to make a diagnosis or to develop or revise a previously diagnosed patient's treatment plan. All laboratory test results must be interpreted in the context of the overall health of the patient and are generally used along with other exams or tests. The doctor who is familiar with the patient's medical history and current condition is in the best position to interpret that person's test results and explain their implications. Patients are encouraged to discuss questions or concerns about laboratory test results with the doctor.
Smokertest is a product of Cancersafe SA, Switzerland : please have a look on to www.cancersafe.com, in order to see how to track main cancers, not only lung cancer.
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