2026-02-05
Cancer happens when the body’s cells grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way. These cancer cells can form tumours (lumps of tissue). They may also invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue.
Sometimes cells grow abnormally to form tumours, but don’t spread. These are known as ‘benign’ cancers.
Some cells spread, or are capable of spreading, to surrounding areas or to other parts of the body. These cancers are called ‘malignant’. When cancer spreads to other parts of your body, it is called ‘metastasis’.
Cancer can affect any area of the body, but some types are more common than others.
The most common cancers in Australia are:
Early signs of cancer include changes to your body's normal processes, which vary depending on the organ or body system affected. For example, bowel cancer may cause a change in your bowel habits and female reproductive cancers may affect your menstrual cycle.
Most changes don’t mean you have cancer. But it’s important you see your doctor so they can rule out a serious cause.
General symptoms of cancer include:
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
It’s not always clear why cancer develops, but there are factors that significantly increase the risk of some cancers.
Smoking is responsible for 1 in every 9 cases of cancer and 1 in every 5 deaths from cancer.
Other risk factors include:
Sometimes cancer runs in families. You can inherit genes that make you more likely to get cancer.
In other cases, cancer is associated with an infection. For example, cervical cancer is associated with some types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Being exposed to some chemicals and dust can also increase your risk of developing some cancers.
For more information, see Cancer Council Australia's early detection and screening page, or call Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
There is a much greater chance of successfully treating cancer if it is found early. If you notice any worrying changes or symptoms, especially if they persist for a while, see your doctor.
Your doctor or specialist can answer your questions and address your concerns.
You may also find it helpful to talk to a trained counsellor, psychologist or call a specialist helpline. If you are struggling or feeling overwhelmed, talk to your doctor, who will be able to provide advice and support.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
Many cancers grow slowly and don’t cause symptoms for months or years.
Some cancers are found during routine tests or cancer screening tests. Accurately diagnosing cancer can take time.
Different tests are used to diagnose cancer. These depend on the type of cancer and your general health. Tests may include:
If cancer is suspected, your doctor may take a biopsy — a small sample of tissue that is examined in the laboratory. Biopsy results can give information about the type of cancer and help guide treatment.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
There are many ways to treat cancer and treatments are improving all the time. Your doctor will discuss treatment options based on the type of cancer, its stage and many other factors.
Treatment options include:
If your cancer cannot be treated, you may be offered palliative care. This refers to treatment to enhance your quality of life.
You might want to try complementary therapies. This includes a range of therapies, such as meditation or acupuncture, that can help you cope with treatment and maintain your wellbeing.
A range of health professionals are usually involved in cancer treatment, and may include:
You might be invited to take part in a clinical trial. This is a way of testing new treatments. Clinical trials may give you access to treatments that aren’t usually available in Australia.
You can find out more about clinical trials and whether there is one available to test treatment for your cancer at the Australian Clinical Trials website.
Living with a long-term illness can be expensive. The cost of cancer treatment depends on different factors, such as:
Some cancer treatment costs are covered by Medicare or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
If you are unable to work due to treatment, you can apply for the Jobseeker payment from Services Australia.
It is known that 1 in 3 cancers could be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle. The best ways to prevent cancer are to:
You can also get checked regularly for some cancers. There are free screening programs available for breast cancer, cervical cancer and bowel cancer.
You can check your risk of cancer by using Cancer Australia’s online risk assessment tools.
Cancer treatments can cause side effects including:
Your doctor will advise you about side effects you may experience with your treatment. They can also help you manage the side effects.
Chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation and radiotherapy increase your risk of having a second cancer. Your doctor will discuss with you the risks and benefits of any treatment offered.
Following a healthy lifestyle can also help to protect you from developing another cancer.