Cancer will affect one in two Queenslanders in their lifetime. Learn what causes cancer and how they develop, grow and spread.

The emotional impact of cancer Most people will experience strong emotions after a cancer diagnosis, not only when they first hear that it’s cancer, but also at various times during or after treatment. Cancer is a serious disease, the treatment may take a long time and can be demanding, and there are many periods of…

Your doctors will run a number of tests to get a diagnosis, see if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body and develop a treatment plan. The tests you have will depend on the type of cancer and your specific symptoms. These tests may include: Physical examination Blood tests Biopsy Bone scan…

There are many types of cancer, each with its own treatment. Learn about specific cancer types.

Sometimes it is difficult to decide on the type of treatment to have. You may feel that everything is happening too fast, or you might be anxious to get started. Check with your specialist how soon treatment should begin – often it won’t affect the success of the treatment to wait a while. Ask them…

Your cancer treatment will depend on the type of cancer you have. Your medical team will recommend treatment based on what will give you the best outcome, where the cancer is, whether and how the cancer has spread, your general health and your preferences. The treatment options you are offered will depend on the guidelines…

Treatment side effects vary depending on the type of cancer you have, the stage of the cancer, and the type of treatment you are given. The changes can be both physical and emotional. Some side effects resolve quickly; others can take weeks, months or even years to improve. Your body will cope with the treatment and…

Conventional cancer treatments have been through a research process to see whether they work and are safe. This is known as evidence-based medicine. While some complementary therapies are supported by strong evidence, others are not. As their use increases, many are now being scientifically tested to see whether they are safe for people with cancer…

After a cancer diagnosis, people are often kept busy and preoccupied with medical appointments and the demands of treatment. Coming to the end of treatment may be a time when you notice the impact cancer had on you, your family and friends.Many people live for a long time after cancer treatment. The challenges you face…

A carer provides unpaid care and support to a person who needs their assistance because of a disease such as cancer, or disability, mental illness or ageing. Anyone can be a carer regardless of your age, sex, sexuality, profession or cultural background. You may still be adjusting to the news that you need to care…

Advanced cancer is a term commonly used to describe primary or secondary cancer that is unlikely to be cured. Health professionals may also use the terms secondary, metastatic, and progressive cancer to describe cancer that has moved beyond early stages. Sometimes health professionals don’t use a particular name. While advanced cancer usually cannot be cured,…

Information and resources Cancer Council Queensland provides support, information and resources, at no cost, for people throughout Queensland. These services are made possible through the generous donations of Queenslanders and we thank them for their continued support. To ensure we can provide information to all Queenslanders, and due to increasing changes in information, please only…