Introduction to Oncology

• Established screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer in Australia (refer to guidelines)
• Lung cancer screening to begin in July 2025
• Prostate Cancer Screening → PSA between 50-70, do an MRI as a one off and if PSA is >3 is an indicator for further investigation
• Bowel Cancer screening awareness in Aus is sent from 50

Diagnosis

1. Hx and Examination
2. XRAY
   1. Skeletal survey is useful for multiple myeloma
   2. Lung mets can be seen on CXR
3. CT
   1. Smaller masses and lymphadenopathy
4. MRI
   1. Tumour spread
5. Pathology Tests
   1. CEA
   2. CA 19.9
   3. CA125
   4. CA 15.3
   5. AFP - HCC and Germ Cell Tumour
   6. LDH
6. Fine needle aspirate
7. Core Biopsy
8. Resection of the tumour or metastatic deposit
9. Lymph node dissection or biopsy
10. Fluid diagnosis with cytology
    1. ie., malignant pleural effusion or bronchial washing
    2. BMAT for leukemia

Molecular Markers

Pathway Targets

• Targeting RAS, RAF, and MEK