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Cancer & Blood Service | Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) | Te Whatu Ora
Public Service, Oncology
Making the Diagnosis
Cancer diagnosis and the extent (whether it has spread) is determined with a number of tests. These tests are unique to the cancer type. The tests you may receive can include blood tests, ultrasound / CT / MRI scans, urine tests and possibly a biopsy.
All this will be discussed with you at your appointment by the doctor or Clinical Nurse Specialist. You will only receive the relevant tests you require.
Once a diagnosis is made, you will meet with various specialists to discuss what the diagnosis means, the next steps and the treatment options available to you. It is a good idea to bring along a support person of your choice to these appointments as often there is a lot of information to take in. We also recommend writing down a list of any questions you would like answering.