Cancer types

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

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Blood cancers

Blood cancers affect the blood and the bone marrow, where blood cells are made.

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Brain and spinal cord tumours

A tumour occurs when abnormal cells grow and form a mass in the brain or spine.

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Bone and soft tissue cancers

There are two types of bone cancer (also called bone sarcoma): primary and secondary.

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Breast cancer

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow abnormally, forming a tumour or lump.

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Digestive system cancers

Cancers of the digestive system make up about for 1 in 5 of all cancers diagnosed in Australia.

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Reproductive system cancers

Cancer can occur in any of the reproductive organs. These organs can be found inside & outside the body.

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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.

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Lung cancer

There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.

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Skin cancer

Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the top layer of the skin (the epidermis).

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Urinary tract cancers

There are two main types of urinary tract cancer: bladder cancer and kidney cancer.

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Other cancers

A cancer of unknown primary is when cancer has spread from an unknown place in the body. 

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young person impacted by cancer speaking with a canteen counsellor

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:

 

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three siblings impacted by cancer standing on the beach

Whether you’re dealing with your parent’s cancera brother or sister’s cancer or your own diagnosis, we have got your back. We also have newer services specifically for parents too.

Cancer Council
Visit the Cancer Council for more information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.