Cancer is a disease of the body's cells. Normally cells grow and multiply in a controlled way, however, sometimes cells become abnormal and keep growing. Abnormal cells can form a mass called a tumour.
Read more about different cancer types below.
You can also find out about the various types of cancer treatments here.
Types of cancer
Blood cancers
Blood cancers affect the blood and the bone marrow, where blood cells are made.
Brain and spinal cord tumours
A tumour occurs when abnormal cells grow and form a mass in the brain or spine.
Bone and soft tissue cancers
There are two types of bone cancer (also called bone sarcoma): primary and secondary.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow abnormally, forming a tumour or lump.
Digestive system cancers
Cancers of the digestive system make up about for 1 in 5 of all cancers diagnosed in Australia.
Reproductive system cancers
Cancer can occur in any of the reproductive organs. These organs can be found inside & outside the body.
Head and neck cancers
Most head and neck cancers start in the cells that line the mucosa, the moist surfaces of the mouth, nose or throat.
Lung cancer
There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.
Skin cancer
Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the top layer of the skin (the epidermis).
Urinary tract cancers
There are two main types of urinary tract cancer: bladder cancer and kidney cancer.
Other cancers
A cancer of unknown primary is when cancer has spread from an unknown place in the body.
If you're looking for more cancer information, our Now What book is a free resource that's all about how to deal with a cancer diagnosis. Download the PDF or order your free hard copy today.
This podcast is a place where young people talk all things cancer. The good, the bad, the unknown. Nothing scripted. Just the young people and their own stories.
Canteen is the only organisation in Australia supporting young people through a cancer diagnosis. Read our Guide to Canteen online or order your hard copy today.
Cancer affects everyone differently.
That’s why Canteen provides a wide range of support services to help you overcome the specific challenges you’re dealing with, including:
Whether you’re dealing with your parent’s cancer, a brother or sister’s cancer or your own diagnosis, we have got your back. We also have newer services specifically for parents too.
