Early Detection

In general, the earlier a cancer is discovered, the smaller it may be, the less likelihood of it having spread and the better the outlook in terms of cure and control.

Treatment in many cancers may be quite radical – aggressive, lengthy, costly and with some potential for side effects. However, there is evidence that such treatment gives the patient the best chance of cure.

A lot of medical research is now being devoted to finding out why some cancers spread, and why one may respond to various treatments and others do not. Gene studies, biochemical analysis and other tests may, in the near future, help us to decide who needs one form of treatment over another, so we may be able to reduce the level of treatment in some patients without compromising results.