To speak to a specialist cancer nurse,
freefone the National Cancer Helpline
1800 200 700
Mon—Thurs 9am—7pm Fri 9am—5pm
Tests
Doctors use different tests to check for certain types of cancers. Find out more about them. If you want to talk through any of these tests, you can call us on our National Cancer Helpline: 1800 200 700, open Mon-Thurs 9am-7pm & Fri 9am-5pm.
X-rays and scans are non-invasive and mostly painless. They are usually the first tests your doctor will send you for.
Special tests include:
- Bone marrow tests
- Lumbar punctures
- Endoscopies
In some cases, cancer can only be diagnosed via surgery. Surgery may be done to collect samples (biopsies) or just to examine internal organs that can’t be seen on a scan.
Search for a specific cancer to find out what tests are used to diagnose it or determine its stage.
This video tells you how cancer is diagnosed and what to do if you have a symptom. The information in this video was correct as of 1st August 2012.
A cancer diagnosis is made only after certain tests are done. Find out more about tests and how doctors diagnose and stage cancer.
Waiting for results can be a stressful time. Learn more about how to cope with your feelings and know what support is available to you.
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