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About Cancer
What is cancer?
Cancer is the name given to a group of diseases that can occur in any organ of the
body. The body is made up of millions of cells. Different body tissues have different
types of cells, with different functions, for example, bone, blood, muscle, and skin. These
cells are constantly dividing to produce new cells to replace old ones.
Normally cells divide in a controlled way. Sometimes this control is lost, and the cells
divide in an abnormal or uncontrolled way, and form a tumour (growth or lump) or
malignant disease, such as leukaemia. A tumour may be malignant (cancerous), benign
(non-cancerous) or pre-cancerous (if left, may become cancerous).
What is the difference between a malignant and a benign tumour?
Benign tumours are usually harmless and may not need any treatment. They are quite
common, and don't spread.
Malignant tumours, or cancers, can spread to other parts of the body and stop them
working properly. Often this secondary spread is more dangerous than the original
cancer, which is why it is important to spot the cancer as early as possible.
How common is cancer?
In Britain it is estimated that one in three people will get cancer at some time in their
lives. Although most cancers occur in people over 60, some cancers (such as cancer of
the testicles) mainly affect younger people.
What are the symptoms of cancer?
There are over 200 different types of cancer, depending on the type of cells affected.
Different types of cancer also have different signs (detected by investigations or tests) or
symptoms (things you may complain of having).
What can you do to avoid cancer?
It is important to remember that many cancers can be treated successfully especially if
they are found early. This is why screening programmes have been set up for some
common cancers, such as breast or cervical cancer.
It is important that you get to know your own body, so that you are aware of any changes
that might indicate that you need to seek advice. If symptoms carry on for 2 weeks or
more, go and see your doctor (GP). Often the GP will know by looking or feeling that
there is nothing to worry about, or may want to refer you to a hospital for tests to make
sure.
There is no way of guaranteeing that you will never get cancer, but there are things you
can do to lower your risk. The European 10-point code against cancer recommends that
you...
Don't smoke or chew tobacco
Drink alcohol sensibly
Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and high-fibre foods
Keep active and avoid getting overweight
Protect yourself in the sun
Take care with chemicals
See your doctor about unusual lumps, moles, sores and bleeding
See your doctor about any persistent changes, for example, altered bowel habit,
unexplained weight loss, hoarseness, coughs, indigestion or lack or appetite, generally
feeling unwell.
Check yourself out - learn how to check your breasts or testicles
Attend for screening when you receive an invitation
Some cancers are also known to run in families. It may be helpful to find out if there is a
history of cancer in your family. If you are concerned you should speak to your GP who
may be able to organise screening for you, or arrange for you to see a specialist who
can offer advice.
What do I do if I think I may have cancer?
If you are worried that you might have cancer, you should go and see your family doctor
(GP) as soon as possible. Your GP will then decide whether you should be sent to see a
doctor who specialises in cancer.
The Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer is a guide for doctors, to help ensure that
the patient is seen quickly if the doctor thinks he or she may have cancer. You will also
find information about what to look out for, and tests that may be carried out if your
doctor thinks you might have cancer.
How is cancer treated?
There are 3 main ways of treating cancer.
Surgery - to remove all or some of the tumour
Radiotherapy - to treat the tumour with radiation.
Chemotherapy - to kill tumour cells using drugs.
New treatments are being tested and introduced all the time. These may include
hormones, vaccines and gene therapy.
Does having cancer mean that I am going to die?
No. The chances of dying from the cancer will be different for each individual, and will
depend for example, on the type of cancer, where it is, the stage it is at when it is
discovered, and the person's general health. Many cancers can be cured or controlled if
they are found early.