Monday 17 February 2020
Tom – Maggie's
Cancer forms when cells in the body start to multiply in an uncontrolled way.
This can form a lump or swelling (a tumour) or affect the way cells work, for example, blood cancers.
Cancer is not just one disease. There are over 200 different types, all with different signs and symptoms.
Treatments for cancer will be specific to the type of cancer.
Tumours can be benign or malignant:
Cancer may be described as primary or secondary:
Getting better from cancer depends on what type of cancer it is, how early it is diagnosed and if it has spread.
Many people have treatment for cancer and it doesn’t come back. For others, cancer can be kept under control for many years.
Research into cancer is evolving with new ways of treating and preventing cancer being discovered all the time.
Our Cancer Support Specialists are here to listen to your concerns and help you find the information and help that's right for you:
Last review: Oct 2021 | Next review: Oct 2022
51ɫAPP out more about what cancer is, how some types of cancer are similar and others different.
From American Cancer Society
Last reviewed: 17 July 2020
51ɫAPP out more about cancer, how it grows and how different types of cancer are grouped together.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 14 October 2021
Information about what cancer is and how it starts to grow.
From Macmillan Cancer Support
Last reviewed: 14 October 2021
51ɫAPP out more about how cancer arises form different cells and tissues, how this relates to different types of cancer and how cancer may sometimes spread.
From National Cancer Institute (Us)
Last reviewed: 14 October 2021
To find your nearest Maggie's centre, enter your postcode or town below.
Stay up to date with our news and fundraising by signing up for our newsletter.
Sign up