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If your family doctor thinks there is any possibility of your symptoms being connected with cancer, they will refer you for further tests. If these confirm you have cancer, more tests will probably be carried out while you are being treated to see how well the treatment is working.
The number of tests you have, how long they take and how often you will have to go to hospital, all depend on the type of cancer the doctors suspect, where it is and at what stage it is.
You may have more than one type of test. Here are some of the main types.
Biopsy
Examination of a piece of tissue that has been removed from the part of the body where cancer is suspected. This test is very important because it shows whether or not cancer is present. If it is, it helps determine what treatment might work best.
X-rays
Scans, such as CT scans, bone scans, isotope scans, MRI scans, ultrasound scans, mammograms.
Waiting to go for tests, or to get the test results, is often a tense time, but remember that there are people and organisations who can give you support even before it is confirmed you have cancer. Information about self help and support groups and helpful organisations is available on this website.
Diagnosis of cancer
A diagnosis of cancer means that the disease has been found in your body. It takes into account your symptoms, medical history and the results of your tests. The doctor who has been supervising your tests should explain to you the type of cancer that has been found and where it is. Then, with your hospital doctor, you can plan your treatment and what you can do to help yourself.
This can be a frightening time. It may be hard to take everything in at once, so do ask your doctors and nurses questions and don't be afraid to repeat them if you forget or don't understand what has been said. You should not feel rushed.