Specific cancers (35 articles)
- Bladder cancer.
The bladder is the organ that stores urine. Bladder cancer is rare among people under 55 years of age and most common in the over-70 age group. More than 1,000 Victorians are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year. It is twice as common in men than women. Cigarette smoking is the most significant risk factor.
- Bone cancer.
Bone cancer can be a primary cancer (starts in the bone) or a secondary cancer (starts in another part of the body and spreads to the bone). Treatment may include surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
- Bowel cancer.
Bowel cancer is diagnosed in thousands of Australians every year. It is a serious disease, but if diagnosed early it is often curable. A healthy lifestyle may prevent bowel cancer in some people. Early diagnosis in people at relatively high risk also saves lives.
- Bowel cancer.
Bowel cancer is diagnosed in thousands of Australians every year. It is a serious disease, but if diagnosed early it is often curable. A healthy lifestyle may prevent bowel cancer in some people. Early diagnosis in people at relatively high risk also saves lives.
- Brain tumours - cancer.
Brain and spinal cord tumours can be either malignant (cancerous) or benign (not cancerous). Cancerous brain tumours affect adults of all ages and are one of the few cancers that occur in children. Most brain tumours develop from glial cells (gliomas).
- Brain tumours - gliomas.
Gliomas are brain tumours associated with the three types of glial cell in the brain. Glial cells make up the supportive tissue of the brain and, unlike neurones, don’t conduct electrical impulses. If left untreated, any type of glioma may grow and press on the brain.
- Breast cancer.
Breast cancer affects one in 11 Australian women. It is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer, and the most common cause of death from cancer in Australian women. It is most common in women over the age of 50. Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone treatment.
- Breast cancer and oestrogen.
Around 60 per cent of breast cancers are sensitive to the female sex hormone oestrogen. The growth of these cancers can be minimised by taking drugs that block the action of oestrogen in the breast tissue.
- Breast cancer and oestrogen.
Oestrogen affects some breast cancers. These cancers are called receptor positive cancers. Medications such as tamoxifen can block the action of oestrogen and prevent it stimulating breast cancer cells. Menstruating women who have hormone responsive breast cancer can benefit from hormone therapy. Women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may have a higher risk of some breast cancers.
- Cancer and asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral made up of fibres that can be breathed into the lungs. Over a long period of time, exposure to asbestos may cause a range of illnesses, including a fast-growing type of cancer called mesothelioma.
- Cervical cancer.
Cancer of the cervix (neck of the womb) is linked to cell changes (dysplasia) caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are two main types of cervical cancer – squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. All women aged between 18 and 70 years should have regular two-yearly Pap tests to check for changes in cervical cells.
- Fallopian tube cancer.
Fallopian tube cancer is one of the rarest gynaecological cancers. Older women who have gone through the menopause are the most commonly affected group, for reasons unknown. Treatment options include surgery.
- Kidney cancer.
The kidneys are part of the urinary system. Kidney cancer is more common in people over the age of 55 years and is more common in men than women. Surgery is the most common treatment. About 500 Victorians are diagnosed with kidney cancer each year.
- Leukaemia.
Leukaemia is a cancer of blood-forming cells. Blood cells are made in the bone marrow, the spongy part in the centre of the bone. Leukaemia causes large numbers of white blood cells to be made. There are different types of leukaemia. Most children and many adults with acute leukaemia can expect to be cured. Chemotherapy is the main treatment.
- Liver cancer.
Liver cancer can be a primary cancer (starts in the liver) or a secondary cancer (starts in another part of the body and spreads to the liver). Primary liver cancer is one of the less common cancers in Victoria. Secondary liver cancers are the most common liver cancers. Liver cancer usually has no symptoms in the early stages.
- Lung cancer.
The lungs are two large spongy organs found in the chest cavity. There are two main types of lung cancer small cell carcinomas and non-small cell carcinomas. Over 2,000 Victorians are diagnosed with lung cancer every year. Most lung cancers are caused by cigarette smoking.
- Lymphoma.
Lymphoma is a general term for a cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. There are two main types of lymphoma: non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease.
- Melanoma.
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Almost 2,000 Victorians are diagnosed with melanoma every year. A melanoma may appear as a new spot or as a change in an existing mole or freckle.
- Mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can develop decades after exposure to asbestos. The outer membrane of the lungs (pleura) is usually affected. Mesothelioma cannot be cured. Treatment aims to prolong life and keep the person as comfortable as possible.
- Mouth cancer.
Mouth cancer usually starts in the cells lining the mouth. The most common sites are the lips, tongue and/or floor of the mouth. Smoking and drinking alcohol are known risk factors.
- Mouth nose throat - cancer.
A cancer may start in the cells that form the lining of the mouth, nose, throat or vocal box the salivary glands or thyroid gland.
- Multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma is cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow. When a person has this disease, too many plasma cells are made. This causes a range of problems including weak bones, anaemia and reduced immunity. About 260 Victorians are diagnosed with multiple myeloma each year.
- Ovarian cancer.
There are four main types of ovarian cancer, which mostly affect women over the age of 40.
- Pancreatic cancer.
The pancreas is a gland that lies behind the stomach. It secretes digestive enzymes and important hormones. Pancreatic cancer is more common among the elderly, and smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop the condition. About 500 Victorians develop pancreatic cancer each year.
- Prostate cancer.
The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid that makes up semen. Prostate cancer affects one in 11 Australian men and is common in the over-65 age group. Around 3,000 Victorian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. Many cases are not life threatening because the cancer may be slow growing and usually occurs in older men.
- Prostate cancer and the PSA test.
A normal prostate gland makes a protein called prostate specific antigen (PSA). Prostate cancer is one condition that can cause large amounts of PSA to leech into the bloodstream. The PSA blood test may indicate the possibility of prostate cancer.
- Prostate cancer testing.
Prostate cancer is a malignant lump of tissue that grows in the prostate gland. It generally occurs in men over the age of 65. In two thirds of cases, it is not life threatening. Most men who have prostate cancer die of an unrelated cause.
- Prostatectomy - for cancer.
Radical prostatectomy is one treatment for prostate cancer. This surgery involves removing the prostate gland and the seminal vesicles. Possible side effects of surgery include urinary incontinence and impotence.
- Quiz - What are the risks factors of bowel cancer?.
Do you know how your body works? Is your lifestyle as healthy as it could be? Test your knowledge with our quick and fun quizzes.
- Quiz - What is your risk of skin cancer.
Do you know how your body works? Is your lifestyle as healthy as it could be? Test your knowledge with our quick and fun quizzes.
- Rectal cancer.
The rectum is part of the digestive system. Its function is to temporarily store faeces. Rectal cancer usually affects people over the age of 50 years. Symptoms include bleeding from the anus and pain when passing motions.
- Skin cancer - early detection is critical.
Each year in Australia, over 1,200 people die from skin cancer. Yet skin cancer is an almost totally preventable disease and 95 per cent of skin cancers are treatable if they are detected early. Regular checks of your skin should detect any suspicious lumps or spots as soon as they develop.
- Skin cancer - risk factors and early signs.
Australians suffer the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. One out of every two people who were born in this country will develop some form of skin cancer during their lives. Each year, 1,200 Australians die from what is an almost totally preventable disease.
- Solariums.
Many Australians now use solariums under the misconception that these devices provide 'safe' tans. In fact, the opposite is true. Research proves that UV light emitted by solariums can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Solariums can also cause immediate skin damage, like sunburn, irritation, redness and swelling.
- Stomach cancer.
The stomach is part of the digestive system which helps to break down food. Although 500 Victorians are diagnosed with stomach cancer each year, it is becoming less common in Australia and other Western countries. Diet is thought to play some part in this. Treatments include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
- Stomach cancer - some possible causes.
Stomach cancer is more common in developing nations, while becoming less so in Western countries. This type of cancer is thought to be triggered by diet and Helicobacter pylori infection, possibly working in combination.
- Sun protection in the snow.
Winter activities such as snow skiing pose a risk of sunburn because ultraviolet (UV) radiation is more severe in alpine regions than at sea level, and is reflected by snow. Wear a balaclava or beanie and use sunglasses and broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.
- Testicular cancer.
Testicular cancer is not a common cancer. Most testicular lumps are not cancer but it is important to see your doctor. Symptoms of testicular cancer may include a swelling or lump in the testicle, usually painless. Other symptoms may include a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum and persistent ache in the lower abdomen or affected testicle. Most testicular lumps are not cancer but it is important to see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can cure almost all cases of testicular cancer.
- Throat cancer.
Throat cancer can originate in the oesophagus (gullet), larynx (voice box), thyroid gland or cells lining the throat (pharynx). Risk factors for throat cancer include smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. Smokers who drink heavily are at even greater risk.
- Thyroid cancer.
There are four different types of thyroid cancer and one form of lymphoma that can occur in the thyroid gland. They are classified by their malignancy and speed of growth. The most common treatment is surgery. The majority of thyroid cancers are readily treatable with excellent survival rates.
- Thyroid cancer.
There are four different types of thyroid cancer and one form of lymphoma that can occur in the thyroid gland. They are classified by their malignancy and speed of growth. The most common treatment is surgery. The majority of thyroid cancers are readily treatable with excellent survival rates.
- Uterine cancer.
The uterus is part of the female reproductive system. Cancer of the uterus is diagnosed in over 470 Victorian women each year and mostly affects women over 50. This cancer is also known as cancer of the womb, uterine cancer, endometrial cancer and cancer of the lining of the womb.
- Vaginal cancer.
Vaginal cancer is one of the rarest gynaecological cancers. The most commonly affected groups are women aged over 50 years, and women who were exposed in utero to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES).
- Vulvar cancer.
The external female genitals are called the vulva. Vulvar cancer is a type of cancer that affects the vulval region. It accounts for about three per cent of all gynaecological cancers.
