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

Cancer fatigue: what it is and how to cope

Whether it's the mental strain of illness or the treatments, living with cancer can be exhausting. Nine out of 10 people with cancer experience fatigue1 - and it can have a serious impact on relationships, work and more. But what causes it, and what can you do about it?

by Lydia Smith

Cancer

Causes of cancer

Certain risk factors are known to increase the chance that one or more of your cells will become abnormal and lead to cancer.

by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP