Cancer is a diverse range of diseases where abnormal cells grow rapidly and generally spread uncontrolled throughout the body. These cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding tissue and spread (metastasise) to distant parts of the body.

Cancer can develop from most types of cells in different parts of the body. Different cancers will grow and spread in different ways and at different rates. While some cancers share common causes or risk factors, it is believed that most cancers have a unique set of causes.

Some cancers can be cured if the tumour is detected and surgically removed before the cancer cells spread. Chemotherapy (anti-cancer drugs) and radiotherapy (radiation treatment) can also treat cancer successfully, by killing cancer cells or stopping them from multiplying. Often these treatments are most effective when used together.

Useful Resources

Cancer Council of Australia or 13 11 20

Carers Australia or 1800 242 636

Related Forums

Australian Cancer Forum 

Cancer Forums (Non AU) 

American Bladder Cancer Society (Non AU)