Cancer
Introduction
There are many different types of cancer. For information on a specific cancer, see the NHS Direct Wales Encyclopaedia A - Z.
What is cancer?
Cancer is a group of conditions where the body's cells begin to grow and reproduce in an uncontrollable way. These cells can then invade and destroy healthy tissue, including organs.
Cancer sometimes begins in one part of the body before spreading to other parts. This process is known as metastasis.
Spotting signs of cancer
Some changes to your body can be a sign of cancer and it is important to get them checked out by a doctor. Go to symptoms of cancer for information on spotting cancer.
Types of cancer
You can find more information about specific types of cancer on the NHS Direct Wales Encyclopaedia A - Z .
Reduce your risk of cancer
Making some simple changes to your lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of developing cancer. Eating a healthy diet, taking regular exercise and avoiding smoking will all help to lower your risk.
How common is cancer?
Cancer is a common condition. Around 298,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year in the UK. More than one in three people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime.
The most common cancers in the UK are:
- breast cancer
- prostate cancer
- lung cancer
- bowel cancer
- bladder cancer
- uterine (womb) cancer
Treatments
Treatments for cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Waiting times
Currently, all patients referred with suspected cancer by their GP have a maximum two-weeks wait to see a specialist.
Cancer patients should wait no more than 31 days from decision to treat to the start of their first treatment.
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Symptoms
It is important to be aware of any unexplained changes to your body. Typical signs and symptoms of cancer are listed below.
While many of these symptoms are common of other illnesses and usually nothing to worry about, it is important that your GP checks them out to rule out cancer.
Lump
See your GP if you notice a lump anywhere in your body. Your GP will refer you to a specialist for tests if they suspect it is cancer.
Coughing, breathlessness and hoarseness
See your GP if you have had a cough or felt breathless for more than two weeks, or if you have blood in your phlegm when you cough.
Changes in bowel habits
See your GP if you have experienced one of the below changes and this has lasted for more than a few weeks:
- blood in your stools
- diarrhoea or constipation for no obvious reason
- a feeling of not having emptied your bowel properly after going to the toilet
- pain in your abdomen (tummy) or back passage
Bleeding
See your GP if you have any unexplained bleeding, such as:
- blood in your urine
- bleeding between periods
- blood from your back passage
- blood when you cough
- blood in your vomit
Moles
See your GP if you have a mole that:
- has an irregular or asymmetrical shape
- has an irregular border with jagged edges
- has more than one colour (it may be flecked with brown, black, red, pink or white)
- is bigger then 7mm in diameter
- is itchy, crusting or bleeding
Any of the above changes means there is a chance you have malignant melanoma
Unexplained weight loss
See your GP if you have lost a lot of weight over the last couple of months that cannot be explained by changes in your diet, exercise or stress.
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