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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:

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Talking it through: my brother had it

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