There are many types of tests and procedures used to check for cancer or diagnose cancer. Tests and procedures are also used to monitor your health and how your cancer is responding to treatment. You may be asked to undergo tests or procedures to help your care team understand if your treatment plan should be adjusted.
Some of the common tests and procedures are listed below.
Blood work
Blood work looks at the components or chemicals in your blood using a blood sample. A blood sample is usually taken from a vein in your arm using a needle.
During your treatment and follow up you will be asked to have your blood work taken. Blood work results tell your cancer care team about your health status and how your body is responding to some treatments.
The Blood Work Room is located just off the clinic reception and waiting area on the first floor of the Burr wing (Burr 1). When you arrive to have your blood work done, you will need to take a ticket from the wall beside the Blood Work Room and wait until your number is called by one of the phlebotomists. Phlebotomists are people specially trained in taking your blood.
You can also arrange for your blood work to be done at a community blood lab closer to your home. You can ask your nurse about how this can be arranged.
If you have a special long-term IV, like a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) or port-a-cath (PORT), your blood work will be done by a nurse in the Chemotherapy Area.
The Blood Work Room is only used for tests ordered by your cancer care team at the Cancer Centre. Tests ordered by your family doctor must be done at a community blood lab.
Diagnostic imaging
Diagnostic imaging uses machines or techniques to create pictures of the inside of your body. One example of diagnostic imaging is mammography, which takes a picture of the inside of breasts to find cancer early.
Diagnostic imaging is used to check for cancer and diagnose cancer. It may also be used during your treatment and follow up. Diagnostic imaging results tell your cancer care team about how your body is responding to some treatments.
You can learn about different types of diagnostic imaging and what you can expect from your diagnostic imaging appointments by visiting diagnostic imaging care.
Endoscopy
Endoscopy uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to see the inside of your body, such as your throat or colon. One example of an endoscopy is a colonoscopy, which looks at the inside of your lower intestines.
Endoscopy is used to check for cancer or diagnose cancer. You can learn about endoscopy and what you can expect from your endoscopy appointments by visiting gastroenterology.
Biopsy
Biopsy removes a sample of tissue from your body so it can be studied under a microscope for cancer cells. A biopsy can be taken using a needle, another device, or surgery.
Biopsy is used to check for cancer or diagnose cancer. You may have a biopsy at a clinic appointment or during surgery.
