Getting a Cancer Diagnosis

Hearing you may have cancer can be overwhelming. Your doctor may do several tests to confirm a diagnosis. It is normal to be stressed about your health during this time.

If you are diagnosed with cancer, get as much information as you can. This article explains common tests that doctors use. Talk to your healthcare team about what your test results mean.

What is cancer screening?

Cancer screening is the process of testing people who have no symptoms. The goal is to detect cancer early. At early stages, some cancers are easier to treat. Some standard cancer screening tests include:¹

• Colonoscopies for colorectal cancer
• Mammograms for breast cancer
• Pap smears for cervical cancer

For some cancers, early detection does not improve treatment outcomes. Screening for these cancers is only done for people with risk factors. Screening tests can be inaccurate. They can find certain cancers that may never cause symptoms. This can lead to unnecessary treatment and stress.^1,2

Medical groups and experts publish recommendations for cancer screening. Talk to your healthcare team about whether different screenings are right for you. For example, if you have a family history of cancer.²

Tests used to diagnose cancer

There is no single test that accurately diagnoses cancer on its own. Your healthcare team might use several tests. Below are the most common ones. Many other tests are used in specific situations.²

Physical exam and health history

The first test is often a physical exam. Your doctor may look for lumps or other symptoms. For example, skin color changes or enlarged organs may indicate cancer.²

Your healthcare team will assess your health history. They will ask about your health conditions and medications. They may ask about lifestyle choices, such as tobacco and alcohol use. They will also ask about your family history of cancer. These can help determine your cancer risk.³

Laboratory tests

These include urine tests and bloodwork. Doctors measure the levels of certain cells and chemicals. Some common lab tests for diagnosing cancer include:^2,4,5

• Blood chemistry test – measures blood fats, sugars, proteins, and other substances to see how well organs are working
• Complete blood count – measures different blood cells to help diagnose blood cancers, along with other issues
• Tumor marker tests – tests for specific substances produced by cancer cells
• Urinalysis – measures urine sugar, protein, and other substances to help diagnose kidney and bladder cancers, along with other issues

Lab results vary from person to person. Abnormal test results can occur even if you are healthy. It is also possible to have normal results if you have cancer. Lab tests alone cannot diagnose cancer.⁴

Imaging tests

Doctors use imaging tests to examine internal organs. Imaging tests create pictures of areas inside your body. These pictures help to see whether a tumor is present. They also help determine treatment options.

Your healthcare team may use more than 1 imaging test. Common imaging tests for cancer include:^2,4,6

• Computed tomography (CT) scan – uses X-rays to create pictures of organs
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – uses radio waves and a machine with a strong magnet
• Nuclear scan – uses radioactive material injected into the body
• Ultrasound – uses sound waves

Biopsy

In many cases, a biopsy is the only way to confirm a cancer diagnosis. It is a more invasive test. Doctors often do biopsies after other tests have been performed.^2,4,6

During a biopsy, doctors collect a sample of abnormal cells. They will look at them under a microscope. There are many ways to collect a biopsy sample. Sometimes, a doctor uses a needle or tube. In other cases, a biopsy may require surgery.^2,4,6

Genetic testing

Genetic testing for cancer may help understand your cancer risk. These tests look for changes to your genes called mutations. Genetic testing is usually done with bloodwork.^7,8

Many people with cancer do not need genetic testing. About 5 to 10 percent of cancers are caused by genetic changes inherited from your parents.^7,8

Talk to your doctor about whether genetic testing is right for you. Your doctor may recommend genetic testing if you:^7,8

• Have a strong family history of a certain cancer
• Have a rare cancer
• Need genetic tests to inform treatment plans

What do my cancer test results mean?

Doctors may communicate test results as negative, inconclusive, or positive. A negative result means they did not detect anything abnormal. Your doctor may still want to monitor your health. If tests are inconclusive, doctors will recommend further tests. A positive result means that the tests found an abnormal result. You may have other tests to confirm a diagnosis and/or help plan treatment. Doctors will want to determine the type and stage of cancer.⁴

What happens if test results show I have cancer?

Getting a cancer diagnosis is hard. Understanding the condition and what it means for you can be stressful. Ask your doctors as many questions as you need. They can talk to you about what to expect regarding treatment and life changes. They can also suggest ways to cope with a cancer diagnosis.⁹