What is the difference between a malignant and a benign tumour? back to top of page
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? back to top of page
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? back to top of page
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? back to top of page
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. For more information on screening click here.

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 (click here to view information about NHS screening programmes)

What do I do if I think I may have cancer?back to top of page
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.  Information about the guidelines can be seen by clicking here  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? back to top of page
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.

You can find out more about these treatments by clicking here.

New treatments are being tested and introduced all the time. These may include hormones, vaccines and gene therapy.

Does having cancer mean that you are going to die from it? back to top of page
No. The chance 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.