What is Cancer ?

“Cancer is when abnormal cells divide in an uncontrolled way.” [1]
There are over 30 trillion cells in a human body [2] That’s 30 Million-Million or 30,000,000,000,000!
With so many cells in our bodies it’s perhaps not surprising that sometimes they behave in a way that’s unexpected or not healthy.
Once these cells start reproducing abnormally, cancer can develop.

How Many Types of Cancer Are There ?

“There are more than 200 different types of cancer.” [1]
These can be broken down into 5 different groups of Cancer [3]
These groups of Cancer are classed depending of the type of cells in the body they start developing from.
They are: ~ Carcinomas ~ Lymphomas ~ Leukaemias ~ Brain tumours & Sarcomas
You can find out more about these groups of Cancer here: Types of cancer | Cancer Research UK

There is an index of different types of Cancer, and information about each one available here: Your cancer type | All cancer types | Cancer Research UK

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Cancer ?

With so many different types of cancer, there are many different signs and symptoms to be aware of. Everybody is different and you might not display all, or any of these symptoms. Having some does not automatically mean you have cancer, but if you notice any change in your body you should have it checked out!
Some possible signs of cancer, like a lump, are better known than others. But this doesn’t mean they’re more important or more likely to be cancer. It is important to get any possible symptom of cancer checked out. [4]
Cancer can affect people in different ways. The type of symptoms a person may have can be different to others, and some people don’t have any symptoms. So, you don’t need to remember all the signs and symptoms of cancer. [4]

You can find infomation on how to look for signs and symptoms here: Cancer signs and symptoms | Cancer Research UK

What do I do if I think I have signs or symptoms ?

The first thing to do if you thing you have noticed any change in your body which you think might be a sign or symptom of Cancer is to have it checked out by a medical professional.
There are many treatments available for Cancer, but good outcomes are more likely when it is found and treated early – so don’t put it off, get in touch with the doctors and get it checked out as soon as you can!
The next thing to remember though is not to panic. Cancer treatment is very advanced and many cancers can be removed, treated or cured. But this is much more likely when it is dealt with early.

Speak to medical professional who will listen to your symptoms and concerns and will be able to guide you towards having these investigated, and if needed help you towards specialist investigation and treatment.

In the UK your first contact for this would usually be to make an appointment with your GP.

To find your closest GP Surgery in Scotland check here: GP practices | NHS Inform
You will not be able to just turn up to a GP surgery, you will need to register with them first. You can find information about registering with a GP here: Registering with a GP practice | NHS inform

For England and Wales you can check here: Find a GP – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
You will also need to register before you make an appointment.

You can also find information about the type of questions a doctor will ask and how they will look after you by checking on Cancer Research UKs website here: Talking to your doctor | Cancer Research UK

What if I already have Cancer ?

It’s good that you have been checked. You can find information about support for people living with cancer, and their families here:
Cancer Support – DaveWalks.co.uk

There is also information about Cancer treatments here:
Treatment for cancer | Cancer in general | Cancer Research UK

How is cancer treated? | NHS inform

cancer treatment – Search – NHS.UK (www.nhs.uk)

Is there anything else I should know ?

Yes. First, finding out you or someone you know has cancer is just the beginning, not the end. There are a range of treatment options that may be available, and there is support available to you wherever you are in the world, whether you have been diagnosed with cancer, or know or care for someone who has. Please make sure you reach out and take advantage of that support.

Second, in many places now there are preventative treatment programmes designed to detect cancer as early as possible, and make sure it is easier (and more successful) to treat. These range from breast and cervical (smear test) screening for women to bowel cancer screening for men and women.
If you are invited to take part in one of these screening programmes – Please, please make time in your busy life to do it. You might not even need to leave the house to take part, but it could give you and early diagnosis if there is something wrong and ultimately, it might save your life!
You can find more information about these screening programmes (for Scotland, England and Wales) below.

Introduction to screening in Scotland | NHS inform

cancer screening – Search – NHS.UK (www.nhs.uk)

References for this Page.

1. 1. What is cancer? | Cancer Research UK
   2. Revised Estimates for the Number of Human and Bacteria Cells in the Body – PMC (nih.gov)
   3. Types of cancer | Cancer Research UK
   4. Cancer signs and symptoms | Cancer Research UK