About cancer

Cancer is a disease of the cells, which are the basic building blocks of the human body. The body constantly makes new cells to help us grow, replace old cells and heal injuries.

Sometimes this process goes wrong, and the cell becomes abnormal. The abnormal cell keeps dividing, making more abnormal cells, which can gather together and form a lump called a tumour. There are two kinds of tumours:

• Benign tumours are not cancer. They do not spread to other parts of the body.
• Malignant tumours are cancer. They can spread to other parts of the body.

Where cancer starts

How cancer spreads

Risk factors

Cancer types

• Common cancers

  Prostate cancer

  Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australia, apart from non-melanoma skin cancers. Each year, around 25,500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer.

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  Breast cancer

  Around 20,000 people in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Although it is most common in women, anyone can be affected by breast cancer.

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  Melanoma

  Almost 19,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma in Australia each year. You can reduce your risk of melanoma by using good sun protection and being aware of UV.

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  Bowel cancer

  It is estimated that about 15,500 people in Australia will be diagnosed with bowel cancer each year. It is most common in people over 50, but it can occur at any age.

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  Lung cancer

  Each year, around 15,500 Australians are diagnosed with lung cancer. Smoking is the biggest risk factor and is linked to most cases, but there are many people with lung cancer who have never smoked.

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  Liver cancer

  In Australia, more than 3000 people are diagnosed with primary liver cancer each year, with about three times more men than women affected.

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• Rare cancer

  Adenoid cystic carcinoma

  A rare cancer of glandular tissues, often in salivary glands. It grows slowly but can spread along nerves and recur years after treatment.

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  Appendix cancer and PMP

  A rare cancer found during surgery or scans. It includes adenocarcinomas and neuroendocrine tumors, often treated with surgery and chemotherapy.

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  Gall bladder (bile duct) cancer

  A rare, aggressive cancer often diagnosed late. It starts in the gallbladder lining and is more common in older adults and women.

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  Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)

  NETs are rare cancers from hormone-producing cells, often found in the gut, lungs, or pancreas. They may grow slowly and cause hormone-related symptoms.

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  Ocular (uveal) melanoma

  A rare eye cancer arising in the uvea. It may affect vision and often spreads to the liver if not detected early.

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  Learn more about rare cancers

• Advanced cancers

  Advanced cancer refers to cancer that has spread from the original site or has come back. It may be locally advanced or metastatic and can still be treated to slow its growth, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life.

  Treatment options include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, surgery and palliative care. Emotional, psychological, and practical support are essential for patients and families.

  Living with advanced cancer involves managing symptoms, making informed decisions, and accessing support services to maintain wellbeing and dignity throughout the journey.

  Know more about advanced cancers

Prevent & detect

One third of cancers can be prevented. Discover simple changes that can help reduce your risk of cancer such as a healthy diet, quitting smoking and vaping and regular exercise.

Many cancers can be picked up in the early stages before you notice anything. Protect yourself from cancer through regular cancer screening and seeing a doctor if you notice a change or any unexplained symptoms. National screening programs are available in Australia to detect breast cancer, bowel cancer, cervical cancer and lung cancer.

Find out more about prevention and detection

Treatment 

Cancer won’t go away without treatment. Cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer (how much it has grown and spread) and commonly includes  chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Each person is different, and some people have more than one type of treatment.

If the cancer can't be treated, it is possible that your doctor will give you palliative treatment to make you feel better by controlling your symptoms. With these types of treatment, you might feel less pain and have a better life.

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Easy read cancer information