What is cancer?
Cancer begins to form when cells in the body start to multiply in an uncontrolled way. This can then 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 now over 200 different types of cancer, all with different signs and symptoms.
Benign or malignant tumours - what does this mean?
- Benign tumours – are usually harmless and don't always need treatment
- Malignant tumours – are cancer and will usually need some form of treatment
Primary and secondary cancer
Cancer may be described as primary or secondary:
- Primary cancer – where the cancer starts
- Secondary cancer – when a primary cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It is also called metastatic cancer.
Research
Research into cancer is evolving and new ways of treating and preventing cancer is being discovered all the time.
Support
There is lots of support available. Please contact your local Macmillan Support Centre for more information.
Sunderland Macmillan Information Centre: Telephone number 01915410122
South Tyneside Macmillan Information Centre: Telephone number
01912024167
