About Cancer
Cancer is a broad group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow and may invade nearby tissue or spread elsewhere. Symptoms, tests and treatment differ greatly by cancer type, so persistent unexplained changes require individualized assessment.
Symptoms can overlap between conditions. How they change, relevant health history, medications and risk factors are therefore as important as the condition name during an assessment.
Symptoms and details worth noting
Before a consultation, note the details that best describe the concern. They help the healthcare professional understand the problem and how urgent it may be.
- The exact symptom, when it began and whether it persists
- Any lump, bleeding, pain, skin or bladder/bowel change
- Unexplained weight, appetite or energy changes
- Prior imaging, biopsy, screening or oncology records
Possible causes and context
These factors can guide an assessment, but they cannot confirm a diagnosis on their own.
- Age, family history and prior screening
- Tobacco, occupational or environmental exposure
- Previous cancer or relevant medical conditions
- Persistent symptoms that have not been explained
LASO MD
How a virtual consultation may help
The healthcare professional first checks symptoms, risk factors and warning signs. Based on the assessment, they may discuss appropriate options or recommend in-person care.
- Review symptoms, screening history and available reports
- Identify questions to bring to the treating team
- Discuss supportive care concerns
- Arrange or recommend timely in-person investigation
Signs that need prompt attention
Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, severe uncontrolled pain, new confusion, sudden weakness, serious breathing difficulty or a rapid decline in your condition.