Hi. I have always had a fear of developing cancer. I have had a CBC done and was wondering if they can use that to diagnose cancer? All blood work I have had done has came back normal. So my question is, how do they diagnose cancer?

If this helps I am a 20 year old female who has been diagnosed with Panic Disorder/Depression.


Thanks in advance!
-Angela :angel:

Angela,
There are a number of ways to diagnose cancer, including but not limited to MRI's, CT scans, biopsies of surgically excised tissue, etc. It is rarely diagnosed through simple blood work, although an unusual result on bloodwork may be indicative of certain types of cancers. However, it's rarely that simple because it could be indicitave of any number of other illnesses that are not cancer.

If you've not already done so, I would highly recommend pursuing treatment for the depression and panic disorder. Someone once told me "worry is NOT preparation," meaning that all the worrying in the world won't prevent or prepare you for facing a situation. I hope that you never in your life get cancer, but if that should happen in some distant future, you'll have to face it at that time. Please try not to waste your time worrying about it, but rather look at what you can do now to live a good life.

Ruth