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

How to look after yourself during cancer treatment and chemotherapy

Getting a cancer diagnosis is many people's worst fear. But while it's important to focus on getting better, it's also just as vital to take care of yourself in the process. We ask the experts at Macmillan Cancer Care for their best advice.

by Gemma Grange

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