HOME > LEARNZONE > WHAT ARE THE FACTS?

WHAT IS IT? WHO AND WHY? IS THERE A CURE? WHAT ARE THE FACTS? WHAT DOES THIS WORD MEAN?

What are the facts?

Cancer can be a confusing subject. As a result many young people believe myths about the illness. Ever been told 'you can catch cancer like a cold'? It's simply not true. When you know the facts, cancer suddenly becomes a less frightening subject.

Read on and get clued-up:

My brother’s treatment was successful, but the experience still affects me and I still think about it.
More...

More than one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their life.
Every day in the UK, 739 people are diagnosed with cancer.
A large number of people with cancer overcome the disease and live fulfilled lives for many years.
Cancer is not one illness but many. There are over 200 types of cancer that can occur in any part of the body.
Cancer is an illness of the body's cells.
Cancer develops when our body's normal process of producing and replacing cells goes out of control, producing abnormal cells that keep dividing in an uncontrolled way.
A tumour is a cluster of abnormal cells.
Benign tumours are harmless, and often don't need treatment.
Malignant tumours are cancerous and need treatment early as the abnormal cells can spread to other parts of the body.
There are two main types of cancer: solid cancers or leukaemia and lymphomas.
The three main treatments for cancer are Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy and Surgery
Cancer is more common in people aged 65 and older.
Cancer is not common in children or young people.
Many cancers are easier to treat and cure if found early.
A large number of people with cancer overcome the disease and live fulfilled lives for many years.
Leukaemia is the most common cancer among young people.
The more we can learn about cancer, the more we can understand it and feel more in control of the situation.

Remember that:

You cannot catch cancer from anyone else.
You cannot give cancer to anyone if you have it.
Nobody knows why some people develop cancer and others do not.
It is nothing you have done or said that has caused it.