Causes & Risk Factors
Cancer results from accumulated DNA damage. Risk rises with age and is influenced by tobacco, alcohol, obesity, radiation, certain infections, environmental exposures and inherited mutations. Many people with risk factors never develop cancer, and some without known risk factors do.
How Cancer Is Diagnosed
- Physical examination and history
- Laboratory tests, including tumor markers
- Imaging: CT, MRI, ultrasound, PET-CT
- Biopsy — the definitive test, examined by a pathologist
- Biomarker and genetic testing to guide treatment
Your Care Team
Medical Oncologist
Leads systemic therapy such as chemo and immunotherapy.
Surgical Oncologist
Performs biopsies and tumor removal.
Radiation Oncologist
Plans and oversees radiation therapy.
Nurse Navigator & Social Worker
Coordinate care, logistics and support.
After a Diagnosis
Ask for your exact diagnosis, stage and biomarker results in writing. Consider a second opinion, especially for rare cancers or complex treatment plans — ONCorg can help arrange one.
Medically reviewed content for education only — not a substitute for advice from your oncology team.