A tumor board is an approach to treatment planning. It consists of different cancer specialists who review and discuss a patient's medical condition and the possible treatment options. To learn more about tumor boards and their role in cancer treatment, Cancer.Net talked with Anthony F. Provenzano, MD.

Concerns have been raised about the safety of computed tomography (CT) scanning because it uses a form of radiation. Recent research suggests that the use of CT scans may slightly increase cancer risk in the U.S. population. But, a person diagnosed with cancer or suspected of having cancer can safely receive a CT scan because the benefits always outweigh the risks.

As many as 70,000 young adults in their 20s and 30s are diagnosed with cancer each year. Doctors are learning that cancer in young adults is sometimes different than cancer in older adults, and young adults with cancer face a different set of challenges than older and younger people with cancer. Cancer.Net talked with Archie Bleyer, MD, to learn more about young adults with cancer.

The Internet is a valuable resource to learn more about clinical trials that are seeking volunteers to participate in a study. The Web-based matching services described in this article collect information on thousands of clinical trials and may help you find an appropriate one by asking a few questions about you and your cancer.

An abstract is a summary of a research study that allows readers to quickly learn about the important aspects of a study. In medical journals, an abstract is usually presented at the beginning of the published article. Abstracts are also a main vehicle of communication at scientific meetings.

More than 30,000 medical professionals from around the world who treat people with cancer will meet later this month in Chicago at the 2008 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting to discuss the latest advances in cancer care, treatment, prevention, and survivorship. As of today, nearly 5,000 studies are available online, and several of these have been highlighted by ASCO. To learn more about the results of these early studies, and what they mean for people with cancer, Cancer.Net talked with Julie Gralow, MD.

Most people visit their neighborhood retail pharmacy to fill prescriptions for medications. However, some people with cancer may be referred to what are known as specialty pharmacies to receive medications.

It is estimated that more than 62,000 people in the United States this year will be diagnosed with primary melanoma — the most serious type of skin cancer. It is also the sixth most common cancer in men and the seventh most common in women. Cancer.Net talked with John Kirkwood, MD, to learn more about the latest news and research in melanoma and information for survivors.

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a procedure being studied more frequently for its role in detecting breast cancer. Although the early results of breast MRI studies are encouraging, breast MRI should not be substituted for mammography for women at average risk for breast cancer. However, it may be an additional tool to screen for breast cancer in women at high risk for developing the disease.