What are the methods of cancer detection? Describe the common approaches for treatment of cancer.

(N/A) Cancer detection and diagnosis: Early detection is essential for successful treatment. Detection is based on biopsy and histopathological studies of tissues,and blood and bone marrow tests for increased cell counts in leukemias. In a biopsy,a piece of suspected tissue is cut into thin sections,stained,and examined under a microscope by a pathologist.
Techniques like radiography ($X$-rays),$CT$ (computed tomography),and $MRI$ (magnetic resonance imaging) are useful for detecting internal organ cancers. $CT$ uses $X$-rays to generate a three-dimensional image of internal structures. $MRI$ uses strong magnetic fields and non-ionizing radiations to detect pathological and physiological changes in living tissues.
Antibodies against cancer-specific antigens are also used. Molecular biology techniques help detect genes in individuals with inherited susceptibility. Identifying such genes helps in cancer prevention by advising individuals to avoid specific carcinogens (e.g.,tobacco smoke for lung cancer).
Treatment of cancer: Common approaches include surgery,radiation therapy,and immunotherapy. In radiotherapy,tumor cells are irradiated lethally while protecting surrounding normal tissues.
Chemotherapeutic drugs are used to kill cancer cells,though many have side effects like hair loss and anemia. Most cancers are treated using a combination of surgery,radiotherapy,and chemotherapy. Since tumor cells often evade the immune system,patients are given biological response modifiers like $\alpha$-interferon,which activate the immune system to destroy the tumor.