The best treatment for cancer is prevention. Prevention involves reducing the risk of cancer by eliminating or eliminating exposure to risk factors. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of getting cancer. For example, lung cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented, because most lung cancers are caused by smoking.
Early detection involves finding the cancer before it has spread. Early detection offers the best chance of treatment being successful. Early detection identifies a disease when it is still localized, curable, manageable or the identification of a pre-cancerous lesion. Screenings for skin, breast, cervical, colon, prostate, etc. attempt to find cancer in the early stages.
Guidelines for early cancer detection in individuals without symptoms have been determined by the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute. Call the Loyola CAN-HELP Cancer Information Service (708) 226-4357 for additional information on screening guidelines for cancer.
For an appointment or for more information about Screening and Early Detection - Cancer, call (888) LUHS-888.