Cancer

What is cancer?

Cancer occurs when cells become abnormal and multiply out of control. Different cells in the different parts of the body when multiplied cause different cancers.

Some grow and spread more quickly than others and some are easier to treat than others, particularly if diagnosed at an early stage.

Treatments can vary - some respond to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other treatments, while some may need surgery.

Some cancers have a better outlook (prognosis) than others - having a very good chance of being cured. For some types of cancer, the outlook is much poorer and therefore these have to be managed in a different way.

So, each cancer is different and behaves differently. We cannot put 'cancer' into one box. In each case it is important to know exactly what type of cancer has developed, how large it has become, whether it has spread and how well the particular type of cancer responds to various treatments. This will enable you to get reliable information on treatment options and outlook.

Patient picks for Information about cancer

Cancer

What not to say to someone with cancer

When a family member or friend is diagnosed with cancer, it can be hard to know what to say. Do we talk about the diagnosis? Or is it better to provide distraction during a difficult time? Whilst every cancer journey is as individual as the person affected, we speak to the experts about the best way to offer support.

by Gillian Harvey

Cancer

Cancer symptoms

Cancer symptoms will vary according to the type of cancer and how far the cancer has grown. There are some symptoms that are common to many cancers.

by Dr Hayley Willacy, FRCGP