Different types of cancer

This information is aimed to support you to understand how specific cancers are diagnosed and treated, and how to find additional support. This is important as no two cancers are the same. Testing, treatment and side effects can be different for each cancer type.

You can download any of our Understanding Cancer booklets on our download resources webpage. If you are a patient, family or friend and would like to order a copy, please call Cancer Council 13 11 20. These booklets give more detail about each cancer

If you can’t find what you are looking call Cancer Council 13 11 20 to speak to one of our Cancer Information and Support team.

These are some of the more common cancers, but we do have information on other cancers, please visit our download resources webpage for other cancer types

Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer is cancer in any part of the large bowel. It is sometimes called colorectal cancer and may be called colon cancer, depending on where it starts

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Brain Tumours

A brain or spinal cord tumour occurs when abnormal cells grow and form a mass of a lump. The tumour may be benign or malignant.

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Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of cells lining the breast ducts or lobules.

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Cancer of the Uterus

Cancer of the uterus occurs when cells become abnormal and start growing and multiplying out of control

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Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer begins with abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix grow uncontrollably

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Gynaecological Cancers

Gynaecological cancers involve the female reproductive organs.

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Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer is a general term used for a range of cancers that start in the tissue or lymph nodes in the head and neck area

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Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the kidney

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Lung Cancer

Lung cancer begins when abnormal cells grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way in one or both lungs

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Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer

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Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumour in one or both ovaries. Some cases of ovarian cancer may form in the fallopian tube and spread to the ovary

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Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer begins when abnormal cells in the prostate start growing in an uncontrolled way

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Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the skin

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Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer can start in any part of the external female sex organs (genitals).

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Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer is any cancer that starts in the vagina

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