Early Detection and Diagnosis
Discovering cancer at the earliest stages offers the best opportunity for successful treatment, and Commonwealth Health is committed to promoting early detection through screenings and diagnostic services. Whether it’s offering screening exams or holding education events in the community, part of our care focuses on prevention.
Oncologists diagnose and plan a treatment strategy through:
- Advanced imaging technology – Computerized tomography (CT or CAT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound imaging (sonography), positron emission tomography (PET), PET/CT scanning and other advanced imaging technologies provide a detailed picture of internal organs and tissues to detect cancer.
- Breast cancer detection – Commonwealth Health offers sophisticated breast imaging technologies such as 3-D digital mammography, breast ultrasound and breast MRI, which can play an important role in early detection of breast cancer.
- Biopsy – Biopsies determine whether cells are cancerous and if so, determine the type and stage of cancer. Advanced imaging technology — such as MRI, CT, mammography and ultrasound — are often combined with minimally invasive techniques to obtain tissue samples.