Cancer is a disease of the body's cells. You get cancer when normal body cells grow out of control, multiply and spread. There are more than 200 types of cancer. Each grows and spreads in its own way, and causes its own set of symptoms. Each responds to treatment in its own way.
What is the difference between Primary and Secondary Cancer?
Are there different types of cancer?
How can doctors tell I’ve got cancer?
What symptoms should I look out for?
Where can I get more detailed information about cancer?
The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)
Cancer is a disease of the body's cells. You get cancer when normal body cells grow out of control, multiply and spread.
The body has billions of cells. They are so small that you can see them only with a microscope. They are a bit like building blocks - groups of cells make up all the organs and tissues of the body. The lungs, liver, kidneys and skin, for instance, are all made from cells.
Our bodies automatically make new cells when we need them. If you cut your hand with a knife, your body makes cells to heal the wound and grow new skin. Children make new cells so they can grow into adults. Every day, some of our cells get old and die just through normal wear and tear, so we make new ones to replace them.
Usually, cells grow in a controlled and orderly way. Each cell knows exactly what to do, when to do it; and when to stop. It has a nucleus (centre) that contains all the instructions it needs.
They don't behave themselves! They have gone wrong in some way, and follow different instructions. They can avoid the body's attempts to control them.
Most cancers form tumours - but not all do. Leukaemias, for instance, are blood cancers. In these diseases the cancer cells start to replace normal white cells. If we have too few white cells, we can't fight infections and we can get very ill.
Cancers can cause problems as they grow and spread. They may press on nerves and cause pain. They may cause fluid to build up - for example in the lungs, making it harder to breathe. They may cause a blockage - in the bowel, for instance. They may stop healthy parts of the body from working.
Normally if we are infected by something - such as a flu virus - our bodies try to 'fight it off'. We may not need to go to the doctor. But because cancer cells behave like normal cells, our bodies don't fight them in the same way. Left untreated, most cancers are very dangerous.
Most cancers start in one place. The place where a cancer starts is called the primary site. The cancer that starts there is the primary tumour.
For example, if you have cancer that starts in the breast, you have primary breast cancer.
Cancers can spread to distant parts of the body. To do this, cancer cells usually get into the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. (The lymphatic system makes and stores cells that fight infection. There are lymph channels and lymph nodes all over the body.)
The blood or lymph carries the cancer cells around the body until they get stuck. They may get stuck in a small blood vessel, or in a lymph node.
Next, cancer starts to grow in this new place. The place where it now grows is called the secondary site. The cancer is called a secondary tumour or metastasis.
If your breast cancer spreads to the lungs, for example, you have secondary breast cancer. Your secondary cancer is made from breast cancer cells, not lung cancer cells. So you still have breast cancer, even though it is now in your lungs.
The most common places for secondary cancers to grow are the lungs, liver, lymph nodes, bones, brain and skin.
Sometimes a patient may get a secondary cancer, but doctors can't find out where the primary cancer is. This type of cancer is called an unknown primary tumour.
Yes. There are more than 200 types of cancer.
Each grows and spreads in its own way, and causes its own set of symptoms. Each responds to treatment in its own way.
Although there are lots of cancers, we can put almost all of them into these eight groups, depending on which body cells they start in...
|
Type of Cancer |
Description |
|
Carcinomas |
Cancers that start on the surface or lining of a body organ. The surface or lining may be on the inside of the body (e.g. lungs, bowel, bladder, stomach, uterus) or on the outside (e.g. skin). Around 9 out of 10 cancers are carcinomas. |
|
Sarcomas |
Cancers that start in the body's bones, fat, muscles, tendons, cartilage or some other tissues. (These parts of the body are called connective tissue.) |
|
Melanomas |
Cancers that start in the cells that make our skin colour. |
|
Lymphomas |
Cancers that start in cells called lymphocytes. These cells are in the bone marrow and lymph nodes, and they help us to fight infection. |
|
Leukaemias |
Cancers of the white blood cells. We need white cells to fight infection. |
|
Myelomas |
Cancers of the plasma cells in bone marrow. These cells make antibodies that help us to fight infection. |
|
Nerve cell tumours |
Cancers that start in the cells of the brain or spinal cord. |
|
Germ cell tumours |
Cancers that start in the cells that make sperm (in men) and eggs (in women). |
According to the latest cancer research UK figures the most common cancers are:
Within certain age groups, some cancers are more common than others.
For example testicular cancer is not very common - but in men aged 20-40 it is the most common cancer.
Cancer in children is rare; it affects only 1 in 500 children under the age of 15. Children tend to get different types of cancer, hardly seen in adults - the most common children's cancers are leukaemia and brain tumours.
cancer types (1.03 Mb)
This illustrated information sheet has been produced in collaboration with a Macmillan Nurse for the Learning Disabled to raise awareness.
Your GP will ask you questions about your symptoms, such as what they are like and how long you have had them.
Your GP may examine you - for example to feel for any lumps or swellings - and will check your medical records to see what illnesses you have had in the past. They may ask you questions about your lifestyle (e.g. whether you smoke) and about the work you do.
If your GP thinks you may have cancer they will arrange some more tests, or send you to see a specialist doctor.
There are many tests that can help doctors to find out what is wrong. Tests may include blood tests, x-rays and scans. For some cancers the doctor may need to look more closely at the inside of your body using a special telescopic instrument. For example a bronchoscope can be passed through the mouth and down into the lung, to look for signs of lung cancer.
The surest way to tell whether you have cancer is to take a sample of cells or tissue from the place the cancer might be, and look at it under a microscope. This is called a biopsy.
Then, if you do have cancer, it will need to be classified according to its grade and stage.
Doctors work out the grade by looking at cancer cells under a microscope, and seeing how much they still look like normal cells. The less they look like normal cells, the higher the grade of the cancer. Higher grade cancers are more likely to grow and spread.
The stage of the cancer means whether it has spread, and if so, how much.
Doctors need the information about grade and stage to plan your treatment.
It may take a few days before your doctor has the results of all the tests. They will then be able to tell you whether you have cancer, and talk with you about your treatment options.
Bowel Cancer is the third most common cancer with 1 in 20 women developing Bowel cancer and 1 in 18 men developing the disease. Of those people with Bowel cancer 80% are over 60 years of age.
Bowel Cancer screening is for people aged 60-69 but people over the age of 70 can self refer and request a kit from the free phone no 0800 707 6060
People are invited to take part in screening over two years and are re-invited every two years until the age of 70. After this you must self refer if you want to continue taking part in the screening programme.
The Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is being extended to invite people to take part in screening up to the age of 75 from 2010.
We have an 'easy read' leaflet on the bowel screening programme for people with learning disabilities (PDF, 896KB).
If you have any further questions or concerns you can contact the bowel screening centre at Aintree University Hospital on 0151 529 3037 or at Leighton Hospital on 01270 277 990. You can also get a range of information from www.beatingbowelcancer.org.
Watch our videos explaining the breast screening process
Breast screening can detect early cancer through a test called a mammogram. It is an x-ray of the breasts.
A free breast screening test is available every three years to all women aged between 50 and 70.
If you are aged 50-70 you will automatically get a letter inviting you for screening.
At the moment, if you are 70 or over and would like screening, you should make your own appointment (see below for contact details). The test is free.
For the latest information on breast screening, including leaflets and information to download, try the NHS cancer screening programmes website.
Cervical screening is not a test for cancer. It is a way of preventing cancer by detecting and treating early abnormalities which, if left untreated, could lead to cancer in a woman's cervix (the neck of the womb).
Early detection and treatment can prevent three quarters of cancers developing.
The first stage of cervical screening is a Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) sample test which is a new method of collecting cervical cells using a broom device to deposit collected cells into a vial containing preservative fluid. Your GP or nurse takes a sample of cells from the cervix. The sample goes to a laboratory to see if any of the cells look abnormal. Some women who have an abnormal sample may need to have treatment to stop cancer developing in the future.
Remember, though, that most women who have an abnormal sample do not go on to develop cancer. Often, a repeat sample shows that all is well.
All women aged 25 -64 can have a free cervical sample test every 3-5 years. Three years between the ages of 25 and 49 and every five years between the ages of 50 - 64. You will automatically get an invitation letter. (Make sure that your GP has your correct, current address.)
Because of cervical screening, invasive cervical cancer is now an uncommon disease in this country.
NHS cancer screening programmes website
You can use this to get the latest information on cervical screening, including leaflets and information to download.
There is no national screening programme for prostate cancer.
Instead, there is a prostate cancer risk management programme. Its aim is to give full and accurate information about the risks and benefits of asking for a PSA blood test. You can find out more about it on the NHS Cancer Screening website.
There are many reasons why normal cells may turn to cancer cells - and some of these reasons you can do nothing about. But doctors agree there are lots of things you can do to live more healthily and cut your cancer risk:
Each cancer has its own set of symptoms and pain is not often an early sign of cancer. If you are worried or concerned over possible symptoms of cancer, tell you GP.
For further information on sign and symptoms of cancer please go to http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Aboutcancer/Signssymptoms.aspx.
Elsewhere on this website you will find lots of information on different cancers, tests and treatments, living with cancer and sources of help and advice (including support groups). We hope you find what you're looking for.
Macmillan Cancer Support: http://www.macmillan.org.uk
Cancer Research UK: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org
World Cancer Research Fund: http://www.wcrf-uk.org
It's important to take good care of your health. There are a number of ways in which you can improve your lifestyle and live more healthily and happily, as well as cutting down the risk of becoming ill later on in life. Click on an area below for more information.
For further information, please go to www.macmillan.org.uk
Screening means doing a test to look either for early signs of cancer, or for body changes that might develop into cancer if left untreated.
The common tests section lists individual tests. You may come across these tests because your doctor thinks that you might have cancer, or if you are already undergoing treatment for cancer and are having a test to see how well the treatment is working. Please bear in mind that speaking to your doctor for a thorough history and examination is part of making a diagnosis before the correct tests can be ordered.
For further information on tests please visit http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Testsscreening/Testsscreening.aspx
All cancer is genetic, in that it is triggered by altered genes.
Genetic tests can be used to look for a possible predisposition to developing a disease like cancer as well as to confirm a suspected genetic mutation in an individual or family.
Cancer usually arises in a single cell. As the cancer develops, the cell appears to follow a series of distinct steps, each one controlled by a different gene or set of genes. Several types of genes have been identified as having a connection with cancer:
Oncogenes normally encourage cell growth, but when they mutate, they can give cells signals to keep on dividing.
Tumour-suppressor genes normally restrict cells from growing, but when they are missing or have a mutation, they allow cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. The inherited genes that can lead to a risk of breast and ovarian cancer, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, retinoblastoma, Wilms' tumour, and familial adenomatous polyposis are of this type.
Genes called DNA repair genes appear to trigger cancer - and perhaps other inherited disorders - not by affecting the way cells grow, but by failing to correct mistakes that happen as DNA copies itself. The genes that have been linked to hereditary colon cancer are of this type.
Tests to determine genetic susceptibility to cancer are not offered routinely.
The tests can raise challenging issues in families and for relationships.
Inevitably there may be the prospect of medical choices to be made once you have the test results.
Cancer affects different people in different ways.
You may feel all sorts of emotions - anger, shock, fear and uncertainty are all very common. At times, your cancer or treatments may make you feel unwell. You may have unwanted side effects to cope with, on top of everything else.
On some days you may feel positive about your treatment and the future - at other times, less so. You are an individual - there is no right or wrong way to feel.
For further information please visit http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Livingwithandaftercancer/Livingwithandaftercancer.aspx
Some cancers can't be cured. This does not always mean that you will die from the cancer. Medical, nursing and emotional support can be offered at home, in hospital or in a hospice over a long period of time.
Palliative treatment is care for, and control of, your symptoms, rather than the treatment of the disease itself. It may include palliative chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery.
Some patients are too ill to cope with these powerful treatments, or the cancer is not responding to them. In this case, palliative care (sometimes called supportive care) aims to give good pain and symptom control by other means.
Supportive care includes care for your emotional and spiritual well-being. It involves and supports your family and carers too. In its widest sense, supportive care starts with the first tests that you have, and is the concern of all the health care professionals that you meet throughout your treatment.
Supportive care aims to help you to live well and have the best possible quality of life, even if your cancer can't be cured. If this is the case, you may receive specialist palliative care in hospital, at home, in a care-home or in a hospice. The pattern of your care will be decided by you and the multidisciplinary team which has looked after you so far, including your GP.
You may be cared for by a hospital-based palliative care team or a 'hospice at home' team. Additional palliative care may be given by a Macmillan nurse, your Community Palliative Care Team, Marie Curie nurses or your local hospices' specialist palliative care providers.
You should be offered clear information and support in an open and sensitive way.
If you need more information or advice in the meantime, you may find these suggestions helpful:
Every patient is different. If you have cancer, you will have your own personal treatment plan, based on your needs.
Your doctors will take many things into account when they decide which treatment to recommend. For example:
Your doctors will talk with you about all your options. You will need to agree to treatment before it can start - this is called giving your consent.
What sort of treatments are there?
The most common cancer treatments are:
Research is going on all the time to find new ways of treating cancer, or better ways of using the existing treatments. Clinical trials help us to find the best treatments two out of three breast cancers.
When you have a diagnosis of cancer, your case will be discussed at your hospital's appropriate multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting. The Team usually meets every week to discuss all new cancer patients in their hospital, and the continuing care of others.
The Team is responsible for:
Your nurse specialist is the link between you and the Team. Your GP will be kept informed too, by letters from your consultant. You also have opportunities to decide which of the options for your treatment are best for you.
The MDT is made up of people who are expert in different areas of medicine. Every team works by following national guidelines or rules on how they should work with each other, with your GP and with the other specialist services.
The Teams are there to ensure that each patient is given the same, high standard of care, and has the most appropriate investigations and treatment. Each Team member is responsible for keeping up to date with changes and new treatments.
This means that all patients should receive the best possible care, no matter who their GP is or which hospital they attend. Some patients receive some of their treatments a long distance away from where most members of their team work.
Each MDT has a stable set of core members, but other specialists may join the team from time to time.
A typical team may include:
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