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

Why do young LGBTQ+ people have a poorer experience of cancer care?

Living with cancer can be very difficult. Not only can treatments take their toll physically, a cancer diagnosis can lead to anxiety, stress and low mood - as well as other challenging emotions like grief and anger. And for young LGBTQI+ people in particular, research suggests going through cancer care can be particularly distressing.

by Lydia Smith

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