Cancer scans are needed in various situations, including:
1. Screening: For early detection of cancer in asymptomatic individuals. For example, mammograms for breast cancer and low-dose CT scans for lung cancer. 2. Diagnosis: When symptoms suggest cancer, scans help confirm the diagnosis and determine the type and stage of cancer. 3. Staging: To assess the extent of cancer spread within the body, which is critical for planning treatment. 4. Monitoring: To evaluate how well treatment is working and to check for cancer recurrence after treatment.
