Cancer

Cancer is a diverse range of diseases where abnormal cells (cells are the basic building blocks of the body) grow rapidly and generally spread throughout the body in an uncontrolled manner. 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.

Nowadays, many people who get cancer will be cured.

The following websites have information about cancer:

• The Cancer Council Australia [The Cancer Council Australia]
• The Cancer Council Victoria[The Cancer Council Victoria]
• National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre - Evidence based information for breast and ovarian cancer [National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC)]
• Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre [Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre] 
• Lions Australian prostate cancer web site [Australian Prostate Cancer Collaboration] 

To talk to someone about cancer, you can ring the Cancer Council's Cancer Help Line on 13 11 20.

For information about specific cancers, follow the link to the Types of Cancer [HealthInsite Topic Page] below.

Updated September 2008

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Cancer incidence, treatments and prevention HealthInsite Expert View by Prof. Ian Olver. Cancer is the leading cause of premature death in Australia. It occurs when genes that are damaged or faulty cause cells to multiply uncontrollably and form a mass, sometimes known as a tumour. Some cancers can be cured if the tumour is detected and surgically removed before the cancer cells spread.

Types of Cancer HealthInsite Topic Page Links to information on specific cancers, their prevention, treatment and risk factors.

Living with Cancer HealthInsite Topic Page Links to information about living with cancer and the relationship between life style and cancer.

Cancer Support Services HealthInsite Topic Page Links to information on a range of support services, counselling and contacts specifically for people with cancer.

Cancer Statistics HealthInsite Topic Page Links to information on cancer statistics.

Children with Cancer HealthInsite Topic Page Links to information on cancer in children.