In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for detecting and locating Lung cancer, Adrenal cancer, Melanoma, Colon cancer, Colorectal cancer, Ovarian cancer, Prostate cancer, Liver cancer, Subcutaneous cancer, Intestinal cancer, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Retinoblastoma, Cervical cancer in subject that has or is suspected of having cancer. The method comprises the steps of:(a) administering a phospholipid ether analog to the subject and(b)determining whether an organ suspected of having cancer of the subject retains a higher level of the analog than surrounding region(s)wherein a higher retention region indicates detection and location of the cancer. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for the treatment of cancer in a subject. Comprising the administration of an effective amount of a molecule comprising a phospholipid ether analog.