Cancer - an overview
Cancer is a condition where cells grow and multiply uncontrollably. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention strategies.
Cancer types
Cancer can affect your body in many ways and there are several cancer types. See this general guide on symptoms, causes and treatments of cancer to understand what might be involved. Or you can learn more about specific conditions below.
Anal cancer
Learn about anal cancer symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Find out when to see a doctor for changes around your anus.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. Most BCCs are curable and cause minimal damage when caught and treated early.
Benign tumours
A benign tumour is a tumour that does not spread to other parts of your body. Read about the treatment and possible complications of benign tumours.
Bladder cancer
In bladder cancer, abnormal cells in the bladder grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. Learn about the signs and your treatment options.
Bone cancer
Primary bone cancer, which begins in the bones, is rare. But many other cancers, such as lung or breast cancer, can spread to the bones.
Bowel cancer (colorectal cancer)
Bowel cancer is a common cancer, and early detection can increase the chance of successful treatment. Taking simple steps can help reduce your risk.
Bowen's disease
Bowen's disease is an early form of skin cancer that looks like a patch of red, scaly skin. Read about the symptoms and treatment for Bowen's disease.
Brain tumours
A brain tumour is a growth of abnormal cells in the brain. Some are malignant (cancerous, and can spread) and others are benign (non-cancerous).
Breast cancer
Breast cancer often shows as a lump in the breast tissue, although most breast lumps are not cancerous. If found early, full recovery is more likely.
Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cervix (neck of the uterus). Learn how screening can detect precancerous lesions.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a common type of leukaemia that often progresses slowly without any symptoms and often doesn’t need treatment.
Endometrial cancer
Endometrial cancer develops in the lining of the uterus (womb). Learn how to spot the signs of endometrial cancer and what your treatment options are.
Eye cancer
Eye cancer develops when abnormal cells in the eye grow and divide uncontrollably. Eye cancer is rare in Australia, but it can be hard to treat.
Gliomas in children
Glioma is a type of cancer that grows in the brain or spinal cord. Learn more about the types, symptoms and treatment, and where to get support.
Hodgkin lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma (Hodgkin disease) is a type of cancer affecting your lymphatic system. Find out about diagnosis and treatments for Hodgkin disease.
Kaposi sarcoma
Kaposi sarcoma is usually found under the skin, or in the lining of the mouth, nose or throat, and is associated with HIV/AIDS. Find out more.
Kidney cancer
Kidney cancer (or renal cancer) grows in the cells of the kidneys. Treatments for kidney cancer are improving, especially if it is detected early.
Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a cancer that affects the formation of white blood cells. Learn about the different types, as well as symptoms and treatment options.
Leukaemia in children
Leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer. Children with leukaemia are usually treated for 2 to 3 years. Read more about childhood leukaemia here.
Liver cancer
Liver cancer is one of the top 10 causes of cancer deaths in Australia. Learn more about liver cancer and the different types and treatments.
Living with breast cancer
A breast cancer diagnosis affects your physical, emotional and practical life. Learn how to deal with the challenges of living with breast cancer.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Smoking can cause lung cancer. Learn about the symptoms of lung cancer and how it is treated.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects your lymphatic system. Find out about the types of lymphoma, plus symptoms and treatments for lymphoma.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos. Learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis and management of mesothelioma.
Metastatic breast cancer
Metastatic breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread to other parts of your body. Treatment targets the symptoms, but cannot cure it.
Mouth cancer
Mouth cancer is when abnormal cells grow in your mouth, often in your lips or tongue. Learn about diagnosis, risk factors, symptoms and treatment.
Multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma develops when plasma cells build up abnormally in your bone marrow. Currently there's no cure, but treatment is available.
Neuroblastoma in children
Neuroblastoma is a cancer that affects young children. The outlook for a child will depend on the tumour type, its location and how fast it’s growing.
Neuroendocrine cancers
Neuroendocrine cancers are a group of rare cancers that most commonly form in the digestive system and the lungs. Read on for symptoms and treatments.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Read about the symptoms and treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that develops in white blood cells. Learn more about its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment in children.
Nose cancer (paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer)
Nose cancer develops in cells in the cavity behind your nose and your paranasal sinuses. Learn more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Oesophageal cancer
Oesophageal cancer develops in your oesophagus, which is the 'tube' connecting your throat to your stomach. Learn about the risk factors and symptoms.
Ovarian cancer
Cancer of the ovaries is most common in females aged over 50 years. Symptoms can be hard to spot. Read on to learn when to see your doctor.
Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is more common in people over the age of 60. Find out why it matters what stage pancreatic cancer is at when it is diagnosed.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in males, but most prostate cancer is slow-growing. Find out more about screening, diagnosis and treatment.
Prostate problems
Enlargement, inflammation and cancer are the most common problems that affect the prostate. Learn about symptoms and treatment options here.
Skin cancer and melanoma
Skin cancer and melanoma occurs when skin cells grow abnormally, usually from too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Soft tissue sarcoma in children
A soft tissue sarcoma is a cancer that grows in your body's soft tissues. Read about the symptoms and treatment of soft tissue sarcoma in children.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common skin cancer. It can spread if not treated, so you should see a doctor if you have symptoms.
Stomach cancer
Stomach cancer, most common in males over 50, doesn't always have symptoms. Reduce your risk of stomach cancer by making changes to your diet.
Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young males. Treatment is usually successful. Learn about detection, symptoms and treatment.
Throat cancer
Throat cancer can be treated if diagnosed early so you should see a doctor if you're concerned. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment here.
Thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer affects the thyroid gland. Most thyroid cancers are treatable. Learn about types of thyroid cancer, the symptoms and how it is treated.
Uterine cancer (cancer of the uterus)
Cancer of the uterus (womb) includes endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Find out about the symptoms, tests and treatments for cancer of the uterus.
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