Cancer is difficult to detect, yet for some types of cancer the sooner it is caught, the better the chances of treating it effectively. Imaging techniques—methods of producing pictures of areas inside the body—are becoming the key to early detection. But researchers don't use imaging simply for detection. Imaging is also an important tool used to determine the stage (tell how advanced the cancer is) and the precise locations of cancer, to aid in directing surgery and other cancer treatments, and to check to see if cancer is recurring (coming back).

Clinical trials, research studies involving people, play an essential role in determining whether emerging imaging techniques are safe and effective.

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