Why is cancer screening important?
Treatment is often more effective when cancer is detected early. Screening exams, such as a sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood test, mammogram or a pap (Papanicolaou) test, can detect precancerous conditions, which can be treated before they turn into cancer, and early-stage cancer.
How is cancer treated?
Cancer treatment can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and biological therapy. The doctor may use one method or a combination of methods, depending on the stage, type and location of the cancer, whether the disease has spread, the patient's age and general health, and other factors.
Source: http://www.omhrc.gov/templates/browse.aspx?lvl=3&lvlid=19
Office of Minority Health, US Dept of Health & Human Services