Health is Gold (162): Early detection is the best way to beat cancer

Thousands of people are successfully treated for cancer every year. Treatment is most effective when cancer is found at an early stage. So finding cancer early can make a real difference.

Doctors treat cancer patient who is being radiated by the linear particle accelerator Halcyon at Vall d'Hebron Hospital in Barcelona. EPA/TONI ALBIR Source: AAP

Finding and treating cancer at an early stage can save lives.

Cancer that’s diagnosed at an early stage, when it isn’t too large and hasn’t spread, is more likely to be treated successfully.

If cancer spreads, effective treatment becomes more difficult, and generally a person’s chances of surviving are much lower.