Cancer Tests | MediChecks
cancer tests
These cancer tests / tumour marker tests are not intended to be used to diagnose cancers or tumours.
Our cancer blood tests are prevention tests, the result of which does not in any way constitute a medical diagnosis ands is NOT a replacement for recognised routine cancer screening tests such as mammography, colonoscopy / faecal occult blood testing, PAP smear / bimanual pelvic exam, or any physical exam.
Abnormal or positive blood test results should be discussed with your doctor as soon as possible, because this may be an indication of an underlying cancer. Positive blood test results may occur with benign conditions.
A negative or normal blood test result does NOT in any circumstance mean that there is no cancer present, just that cancer is not detectable by the test at the time of the blood test. If any warning signs of cancer are present, including, but not limited to the signs and symptoms listed below, you should consult your doctor.
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Cancer Signs & Symptoms
Cancer has no symptoms or signs that exclusively indicate the disease. Every complaint for cancer can explain a harmless condition as well.
Persistent cough or blood-tinged saliva
Usually represent simple infections such as bronchitis or sinusitis. They could be symptoms of cancer of your lung, head, and neck.
A change in bowel habits
Pencil-thin stools are sometimes related with colon cancer. Occasionally, cancer exhibits continuous diarrhoea. Some people with cancer feel as if they need to have a bowel movement and still feel that way after they have had a bowel movement.
Blood in your stool
Your doctor always should investigate blood in your stool. Haemorrhoids frequently cause rectal bleeding, but because haemorrhoids are so common, they may exist with cancer.
Unexplained anaemia
Anaemia should be investigated. Unless there is an obvious source of ongoing blood loss, as there is for menstruating women, this anaemia needs to be explained. Many cancers can cause anaemia, but bowel cancers most commonly cause iron deficiency anaemia.
Breast lump or breast discharge
Most breast lumps are non-cancerous tumours such as fibro adenomas or cysts. But all breast lumps need to be thoroughly investigated. Discharge from a breast is common. But some forms of discharge may be signs of cancer. If discharge is bloody or from only 1 nipple, further evaluation is recommended.
Lumps in the testicles
Most men (90%) with cancer of the testicle have a painless or uncomfortable lump on a testicle. Some men have an enlarged testicle. Other conditions, such as infections and swollen veins, can also cause changes in your testicles.
A change in urination
Urinary symptoms can include frequent urination, small amounts of urine, and slow urine flow. These symptoms may signal prostate cancer.
Blood in the urine
Haematuria or blood in the urine can be caused by urinary infection, kidney stones, or other causes. For some people, it is a symptom of cancer of the bladder or kidney.
Hoarseness
Hoarseness not caused by a respiratory infection or that lasts longer than 3-4 weeks should be evaluated. Hoarseness can be caused by simple allergy or by vocal cord polyps, but it could also be the first sign of cancer of the throat.
Persistent lumps or swollen glands
Lumps may represent cancer or a swollen lymph gland related to cancer. Lymph nodes swell from infection and other causes and may take weeks to shrink again. A lump or gland that remains swollen for 3-4 weeks should be evaluated.
Obvious change in a wart or a mole
Multi coloured moles that have irregular edges or bleed may be cancerous. Indigestion or difficulty swallowing Most people with chronic heartburn do not have serious problems. Difficulty swallowing solids can be seen with cancer of the oesophagus. Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge This can be an early sign of cancer of the uterus. Bleeding that comes back, that lasts 2 or more days longer than expected, or that is heavier than usual also merits medical examination. Unexpected weight loss, night sweats, or fever These non-specific symptoms might be present with several different types of cancer. Various infections can lead to similar symptoms.
Continued itching in your anus or genitals
Pre-cancerous or cancerous conditions of the skin of the genital or anal areas can cause persistent itching. Several infections or skin conditions also can cause these symptoms.
Non-healing sores
Sores generally heal quickly. If an area fails to heal, you may have cancer and should see a doctor. Non-healing sores in your mouth or persistent white or red patches on your gums, tongue, or tonsils are also should raise concerns.
Headaches
Headaches have many causes, but cancer is not a common one. A severe unrelenting headache that feels different from usual can be a sign of cancer.
Back pain, pelvic pain, bloating, or indigestion
These are common symptoms, but they also can be seen in ovarian cancer.
We hope that you find our comprehensive range of cancer blood tests, tumour marker urine tests, tumour marker stool tests and health screens to be of use.
MediChecks also offer other types of blood, urine and stool tests which are aimed at medical conditions and diseases like sexually transmitted diseases, diabetes, anaemia, thyroid, cancer, allergies, hiv. Health screening tests include mens health, womens health, sexual health, nutrition, hormone tests, cardiovascular health and travel health.
We are able to tailor a specific group of blood, urine and stool tests to suit your individual screening needs. Health information and advice is available on a range of issues from diet and exercise to general well being and lifestyle.
MediChecks' medical glossary is a useful health and medical information source.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you not be able to locate a specific tumour marker blood test or health screen.
For all company health screening, occupational health checks and pre-emplyment tests, please visit MediChecks.com's Corporate Health Screening site or call us for further information on how we can benefit your organisation.
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