Question 1

What is Certain Cancers?

Accepted Answer

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth that can invade and spread to other parts of the body. It is caused by genetic mutations in cells that lead to uncontrolled division and the formation of tumors. The Albumin test is the most important test for monitoring how certain cancers affect protein levels and nutritional status.

Question 2

What causes cancer?

Accepted Answer

Cancer is caused by genetic mutations in cells that disrupt normal growth and division processes. These mutations can be triggered by various factors including tobacco smoke, radiation exposure, certain viruses like HPV and hepatitis B, chronic inflammation, inherited genetic defects, and exposure to carcinogens like asbestos or benzene. When these mutations accumulate, cells lose their ability to regulate growth, leading to tumor formation and potential spread to other body parts through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Question 3

What is the best test for monitoring cancer?

Accepted Answer

The Albumin test is the most important blood test for monitoring how certain cancers affect your body because it measures a critical protein that reflects nutritional status and liver function. Cancer can deplete albumin levels as tumors consume proteins rapidly or interfere with liver production. The Transferrin test is also essential for monitoring cancer, particularly lung or ovarian cancer, because it tracks how cancer cells increase iron demands due to rapid cell division. Together, these tests provide valuable insights into how cancer impacts protein metabolism and nutritional balance, helping healthcare providers assess overall health during cancer care.

Question 4

When should I get tested for cancer monitoring?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have been diagnosed with cancer and need to monitor how the disease affects your nutritional status and protein levels. Testing is particularly important if you experience unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, or signs of malnutrition during cancer treatment. Regular monitoring helps your healthcare team track changes in albumin and transferrin levels that indicate how your body is responding to cancer and whether nutritional interventions are needed.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of cancer?

Accepted Answer

Cancer symptoms vary widely depending on the type and location but common signs include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest, lumps or masses under the skin, changes in bowel or bladder habits, persistent cough or hoarseness, unusual bleeding or discharge, and sores that do not heal. You might notice changes in skin appearance, difficulty swallowing, persistent indigestion, or unexplained pain. Many cancers develop silently in early stages, which is why monitoring through blood tests becomes crucial once cancer is detected.

Question 6

Who is at risk for cancer?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can develop cancer, but risk increases with age, particularly after 65. People who smoke or use tobacco products, consume excessive alcohol, have prolonged sun exposure, or work with carcinogens face elevated risk. Those with family history of certain cancers, inherited genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, chronic infections with HPV or hepatitis viruses, or weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, and chronic inflammatory conditions also increase cancer susceptibility.

Question 7

What happens if cancer is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated cancer typically grows and spreads to other parts of the body through a process called metastasis, making it increasingly difficult to treat and potentially fatal. As cancer progresses, it can destroy surrounding healthy tissue, impair organ function, and cause severe complications like bowel obstruction, bleeding, blood clots, or infection. Advanced cancer often leads to severe malnutrition, wasting syndrome, intractable pain, and multi-organ failure. Early detection and monitoring through blood tests allows for timely intervention that can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.

Question 8

Can cancer be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests alone cannot definitively diagnose most cancers, but they play a crucial role in cancer monitoring and management. Tests like albumin and transferrin help assess how cancer affects protein levels, nutritional status, and metabolic processes. Some blood tests can detect tumor markers or abnormal cells that raise suspicion for cancer, but definitive diagnosis requires imaging studies like CT scans or MRI, biopsies for tissue examination, and comprehensive evaluation by oncology specialists. Blood tests are essential for tracking cancer progression and treatment response.

Question 9

How is cancer treated?

Accepted Answer

Cancer treatment depends on the type, stage, and location of the disease and typically involves surgery to remove tumors, chemotherapy to kill cancer cells throughout the body, radiation therapy to destroy localized cancer cells, or combinations of these approaches. Newer treatments include immunotherapy that helps your immune system fight cancer, targeted therapy that attacks specific cancer cell characteristics, and hormone therapy for hormone-sensitive cancers. Treatment plans are personalized based on the specific cancer type, your overall health, and how blood tests show your body is responding to therapy.

Question 10

How can I prevent cancer?

Accepted Answer

You can reduce cancer risk by avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight through balanced diet and regular exercise, and protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure. Get vaccinated against cancer-causing viruses like HPV and hepatitis B, attend recommended cancer screenings for early detection, and minimize exposure to environmental carcinogens. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting processed meats and red meat. Regular physical activity, stress management, and adequate sleep also support your body's natural defenses against cancer development.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support cancer care?

Accepted Answer

You can support your body during cancer care by eating nutrient-dense foods to maintain protein and calorie intake, staying hydrated, and taking nutritional supplements as recommended by your healthcare provider. Gentle exercise like walking or yoga helps maintain strength and reduces fatigue. Prioritize rest and sleep to support healing, manage stress through meditation or support groups, and keep detailed records of symptoms and side effects. Work closely with your medical team, attend all monitoring appointments including blood tests, and do not hesitate to report new symptoms or concerns promptly.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Cancer Blood Test & Monitoring Panel

What is Certain Cancers?

What causes cancer?

What is the best test for monitoring cancer?

When should I get tested for cancer monitoring?

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