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What is cancer?

There are over 100 different types of cancer.1,2 When abnormal cells multiply in an uncontrolled way, that’s cancer. Sometimes they spread into other tissues, affecting other parts of the body.1-3

  • Some growths are non-cancerous (benign). This means that it does not spread to other parts of the body, grows slowly, has a distinct border, and does not invade nearby tissue. They are often treated with surgery or sometimes with chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy to help reduce the risk of them returning, to help ease any discomfort or to help relieve any medical issue they may be causing.2
  • Harmful cancer growths are called malignant tumours. They can grow quickly, have irregular borders, often invade surrounding tissues, and can spread to other parts of the body (called metastasis). Treatment may consist of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination.2

Blood cancer

Cancerous cells in the blood may prevent your blood from carrying out its normal functions, and symptoms can include unexplained bleeding, weight loss, rash and even night sweats.4

Cancers that form in any of the blood-forming tissues are classified as blood cancers. Blood cancers can form in the bone marrow, immune system cells and examples include multiple myeloma, leukemia or lymphoma.5,6

Blood cancers may also spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph glands, liver, kidneys, and spleen.6

The main types of blood cancer include:

There are three main types of blood cancer that affect the blood, lymph nodes or bone marrow (the spongy tissue in bones where blood cells are made).

  • Leukaemia - Leukaemia is a broad term for certain types of blood cancer. It occurs when abnormal blood-forming cells in the bone marrow grow in an uncontrolled way. Leukaemia starts in the bone marrow – usually in the cells that would normally develop into white blood cells. Some leukaemia's start in other types of blood-forming cells, such as the cells that develop into red blood cells and platelets.6,7
  • Lymphoma - Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that occurs when abnormal white blood cells (lymphocytes) in the lymphatic system grow in an uncontrolled way. The lymphatic system is part of the body’s immune system. Lymphoma can start in any part of the body that has lymph tissue.7,8
  • Myeloma - Myeloma occurs when abnormal plasma cells of the bone marrow grow in an uncontrolled way. Plasma cells develop in the bone marrow from B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Plasma cells make antibodies that help the body fight infection. Myeloma occurs when plasma cells grow abnormally and become myeloma cells. Myeloma cells build up in the bone marrow and form tumours in one or many bones of the body.6,9

Blood cancer

Find out more about the treatment journey for blood cancer at GenesisCare.

Bone cancer

Bone cancers usually occur when normal bone cells develop changes and start to grow uncontrollably, creating a tumour.9-11 They are classified into either primary bone cancer – where the cancer cells start in the bone or secondary bone cancer, where the cancer has started elsewhere in the body and spread to the bone tissue.10-12

Bone cancer

Find out more about the treatment journey for bone cancer at GenesisCare.

Brain and spine cancer

A brain or spinal cord tumour (which can be either benign or malignant) usually starts when abnormal cells grow and form a mass or a lump. 12,14 They can start in any part of the brain or spinal cord. These types of tumours are also called central nervous system (CNS) tumours.13,14

Brain cancers are divided into two groups:¹4-17

  • primary brain tumours, which start in the brain and almost never spread to other parts of the body
  • secondary tumours (or metastases), which are caused by cancers that began in another part of the body and have spread to the brain.

There are more than 40 types of primary brain and spinal cord tumours, which are further divided into two main types:14-16

  • benign – slow-growing and unlikely to spread with common types being meningiomas, neuromas, pituitary tumours and craniopharyngiomas.
  • malignant – cancerous and able to spread into other parts of the brain or spinal cord. Common types include astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, glioblastomas and mixed gliomas.

It was estimated that 1,917 new cases of brain cancer would be diagnosed in Australia in 2022.15

What are spinal cord tumours?

The spinal cord has bundles of very long nerve fibres.18 They carry signals that control muscles, sensation or feeling, and bladder and bowel control.18 Primary spinal cord tumours can occur but are not very common.19 There are different types of primary spinal cord tumours, that most commonly include: meningiomas, tumours of the spinal nerves (neurofibromas and schwannomas), and ependymomas.19 Cancers can also spread to the spinal cord from other parts of the body, these are called spine metastases.19 Treatment options for each type of tumour will depend on what your treating doctor will determine is most suitable.19

Brain cancer

Find out more about the treatment journey for brain cancer at GenesisCare.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer occurs when normal breast cells acquire mutations leading to uncontrolled growth, creating a tumour.20,21 It frequently starts in the cells that line the milk ducts (ductal cancer), but can also arise in breast lobules (lobular cancer).20,21

Breast cancer

Find out more about the treatment journey for breast cancer at GenesisCare.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) breast cancer

DCIS is a condition that can occur in several different forms, in which there's a change in the cells lining the milk ducts of the breast. 22,23 Under a microscope, a normal duct shows a lining of a single layer of cells, but in DCIS, many more cells can be seen. 20,21 If left untreated, DCIS may over time progress to invasive cancer. 22,23 Treatment for DCIS can include surgery and breast radiation therapy.20,21

Click below for more information about tests available for women with DCIS. 

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is the name for cancers affecting the digestive system (or GI tract) affecting both men and women.24,25

 There are a range of types of gastrointestinal cancers treated at GenesisCare.

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer

Find out more about the treatment journey for gastrointestinal cancer at GenesisCare.

Bile duct cancer

Bile ducts are part of the digestive system and are the tubes that link the liver and gallbladder to the small bowel.28 They transport bile, which helps break down the fat in our food.28 Bile duct cancer (also called cholangiocarcinoma) is cancer which develops in the bile duct lining.28,29

Bile duct cancer

Find out more about the treatment journey for bile duct cancer at GenesisCare.

Colorectal (large bowel) cancer

Colorectal cancer is also known as bowel cancer.30,31 The colon and rectum together are known as the large bowel.30 This cancer type might also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where it starts in the bowel. 31 Colorectal cancer is when malignant cancer cells grow in the wall of the bowel.31 This can include the large intestine, and rectum, which are all part of the lower digestive tract.31 The most common type of bowel cancer is called an adenocarcinoma.31  Other types which are less common include neuroendocrine tumours, and lymphomas.31

In 2018, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women in Australia, and it was estimated that in 2022 that 15,713 new cases of colorectal (bowel) cancer would be diagnosed in Australia.32

Colorectal (large bowel) cancer

Find out more about the treatment journey for colorectal cancer at GenesisCare.

Gallbladder cancer

Gallbladder cancer is a rare cancer where malignant cancer cells form in the tissues of the gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ located in your upper abdomen next to the liver.33,,34

  • The gallbladder stores bile made in the liver before it’s passed into the small bowel. The bile helps food digestion. It passes through a tube called the common bile duct which connects the gallbladder and liver to the small intestine.
  • Gallbladder cancer happens when tissues in the lining of the gallbladder become abnormal and multiply. The most common type of gallbladder cancer is regarded as being adenocarcinoma, which starts in the gland cells lining the gallbladder.
  • The most common treatment options for gallbladder cancer are surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Gallbladder cancer

Find out more about the treatment journey for gallbladder cancer at GenesisCare.

Liver cancer

The liver is the largest internal organ in the body and sits just under the ribs, on the right side of the abdomen.35 The main functions of the liver are to manufacture bile and blood proteins, filter blood, rid the body of harmful chemicals, amongst other things.36 It's main functions are to manufacture bile and blood proteins, filter blood, rid the body of harmful chemicals, plus other important functions.36 Primary liver cancer is a malignant tumour that begins in the liver, with different types including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or hepatoma, cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) or hepatic angiosarcoma.37,38 Secondary liver cancer is cancer that began in other areas of the body, and has spread to the liver.39

Liver cancer

Find out more about the treatment journey for liver cancer at GenesisCare.

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) - also be known as carcinoid tumours - are a complex group of tumours that develop predominantly in the digestive or respiratory tracts, and can occur in other areas of the body.26,27 They are cancer cells that form in the neuroendocrine system, and can be both slow growing or more aggressive (fast).26,27 The most common sites in the body where NETs form are the lungs and digestive system. 26,27 Treatment for NETs depends on the size, location of the tumour, and how well or poorly differentiated the tumour is as well as whether the cancer has presented at an advanced stage or has spread.26,27

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)

Find out more about the treatment journey for Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) at GenesisCare.

Oesophageal cancer

The oesophagus is the food pipe that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.40 It has three main sections – upper, middle and lower.40 Oesophageal cancer occurs when malignant cancer cells have formed in the tissue of the oesophagus.41

Oesophageal cancer

Find out more about the treatment journey for oesophageal cancer at GenesisCare.

Pancreatic cancer

The pancreas is a thin, lumpy gland that lies between the stomach and spine.42 The pancreas has a couple of important roles; it is an organ of the digestive system and of the endocrine system.42 It produces enzymes that help to digest food, such as protein, plus it makes the hormone insulin, which helps to control blood sugar levels.42

Pancreatic cancer usually occurs when malignant cells develop in the pancreas, and this may affect how it functions.43 Pancreatic cancer can occur in any part of the pancreas, however a large proportion is diagnosed in the head of the pancreas.43 The treatment for pancreatic cancer depends on the location and size of the cancer, and whether the cancer is in the early or advanced stages.43 The health and age of the patient will also impact treatment recommendations by medical professionals.44

Pancreatic cancer

Find out more about the treatment journey for pancreatic cancer at GenesisCare.

Stomach cancer

The stomach is an organ in the upper abdomen and supports food digestion and also absorbs any nutrients before the food moves through to the intestines.45

Stomach cancers can vary and begin in differing areas in the stomach, however many start in the glandular tissue on the stomach's inner surface.46

There are two distinct types of stomach cancer (gastric adenocarcinoma), these are intestinal (well-differentiated) and diffuse (undifferentiated), both have distinct physical and genetic characteristics.41

Stomach cancer

Find out more about the treatment journey for stomach cancer at GenesisCare.

Small bowel cancer

Small bowel cancer (also called small intestine cancer) is a relatively uncommon type of cancer that occur in the small intestine.48 Small bowel cancers can include sarcomas, adenocarcinomas, neuroendocrine tumours and lymphomas.48

Small bowel cancer

Find out more about the treatment journey for small bowel cancer at GenesisCare.

Genitourinary cancer

Genitourinary cancers include cancers that affect the urinary system of men, women, or both, and the male reproductive system.49

Types of genitourinary cancers

There are many different types of genitourinary cancers which can affect either men, women or both including;

  • Bladder cancer - Bladder cancer usually begins when abnormal cells in the bladder’s inner lining grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.50 Types of bladder cancer include urothelial carcinoma, (formally known as transitional cell carcinoma), squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma.50
  • Kidney cancer - Kidney cancer is cancer that usually starts in the cells of the kidney or even ureter.51 Types of kidney cancer include renal cell carcinoma (RCC), urothelial carcinoma (also known as transitional cell carcinoma), and Wilms tumour.51
  • Penile cancer – Penile cancer is a relatively uncommon cancer and occurs on the foreskin, the glans (head) of the penis, or on the skin of the penile shaft.52 Types of penile cancer include squamous cell cancer (SCC), carcinoma in situ (CIS), penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), adenocarcinoma, melanoma of the penis, and penile sarcoma.52,53
  • Testicular cancer – Testicular cancer is not considered as a common cancer, but for young men (aged 20 to 39) it is the second most common cancer excluding non-melanoma skin cancer.54 Germ cell tumours are regarded as being the most common type of testicular cancer.54 There are two main types of germ cell tumour; seminoma and non-seminoma.54,55 Testicular cancer usually presents as lump in one of the testes and painless swelling, although some people can experience a dull pain.56
  • Urethral cancer - Urethral cancers typically occur in the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body.57,58 Types of urethral cancers include urothelial carcinomas (also called transitional cell carcinoma), squamous cell carcinomas, and adenocarcinomas.57
  • Ureter cancer - Ureter cancer (ureteral cancer) is an abnormal growth of cells on the inside lining of the tubes (ureters) that connect your kidneys to your bladder. 59,60 Each kidney has a ureter.59 Urine leaves the kidneys via the ureters and then enters the bladder.59 Types of ureter cancer include transitional cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinoma.60

Genitourinary cancer

Find out more about the treatment journey for genitourinary cancer at GenesisCare.

Gynaecological cancer

Gynaecological cancers affect a woman’s reproductive system.61  In most cases, the type of gynaecological cancer is named after the part of the body where the cancer first develops.

Types of gynaecological cancer include;

  • Ovarian cancer –Ovarian cancer usually occurs when abnormal cells appear in the ovary, it can be one or both ovaries.51. There are a number of types and classifications of ovarian cancer.62
  • Endometrial cancer - Endometrial cancer (also called endometrial carcinoma) usually occurs when abnormal cells in the endometrium grow in an uncontrolled way. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus.51 Endometrial cancers are usually called endometrial carcinomas or adenocarcinomas (with sub-types including adenosquamous (or mixed cell), secretory carcinoma, villoglandular adenocarcinoma and serous adenocarcinoma.63
  • Cervical cancer - Cervical cancer (also called cancer of the uterine cervix) usually occurs when abnormal cells lining the cervix grow in an uncontrolled way.61 The cervix is part of the female reproductive system, which also includes the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina and vulva.61 The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. 61 The majority of cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and screening using HPV testing has the potential to improve detection of cervical cancer.64
  • Vaginal cancer - Vaginal cancer usually occurs when abnormal cells in the vagina grow in an uncontrolled way. The vagina is a muscular tube that extends from the opening of the uterus (cervix) to the external part of a woman’s sex organs (vulva). [9] 61 [The two main types of primary vaginal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.65
  • Cancer of the vulva - Cancer of the vulva (also called vulvar cancer, vulva cancer) usually occurs when abnormal cells in the tissues of the vulva grow in an uncontrolled way.66 The vulva is the external part of a woman’s sex organs and cancer of the vulva may involve any of these organs.61,67

Types of cancer of the vulva include squamous cell carcinoma, vulvar melanoma, adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, and basal cell carcinoma.66

Cancer of the placenta

This type of tumour begins when normal cells of the placenta, called trophoblast cells, change and form a mass.68 The placenta is the organ that develops during pregnancy to provide nutrients to the foetus.68 Gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD) are a unique set of rare diseases that begin in the placenta or afterbirth.68 They may be malignant or benign.69

Gynaecological cancer

Find out more about the treatment journey for gynaecological cancer at GenesisCare.

Head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancer is a term that describes a range of cancers that begin in the head and neck region.70 Cancers of the head and neck can form in areas like the mouth, throat, voice box, nasal cavity, sinuses and salivary glands.70

There are three main types of head and neck cancer including mucosal squamous cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, and cutaneous carcinomas.71 Skin cancers that start in the head and neck area have also recently been classified as a type of head and neck cancer.71

Types of head and neck cancer can include:

Mouth (oral cavity) cancer - includes the lips, gums, lining of the cheeks and lips, front two-thirds of the tongue, floor of the mouth under the tongue, roof (hard palate) of the mouth, and the small area behind the wisdom teeth72

Throat (pharynx) cancer – throat cancers can occur in areas like voice box, food pipe or thyroid.73 It is the tube that leads from behind the nose to the trachea (windpipe) and oesophagus (food pipe). It comprises the nasopharynx (the upper part of the pharynx, behind the nose), oropharynx (the middle part of the pharynx, the soft palate at the back of the mouth, the base of the tongue and the tonsils), and the hypopharynx (the lower part of the pharynx).74

Voice box (larynx) cancer – cancer which includes the vocal cords and the epiglottis (a piece of tissue that prevents food from entering the trachea)75

Nose (nasal cavity) cancer – cancer which occurs in the hollow space behind the nose; also includes the paranasal sinuses (small, air-filled spaces in the nose).76 Treatment can include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy depending on the tumour.76

Salivary gland tumours – are less common than other head and neck cancers and usually present as a lump in the salivary gland area.77 The major salivary glands are found  in the jaw area.78 However, the majority of salivary gland tumours are usually benign.77

Head and neck cancer

Find out more about the treatment journey for head and neck cancer at GenesisCare.

Lung cancer

The lungs are the main organs for breathing and are part of the respiratory system that facilitate gas exchange into the bloodstream.79. Lung cancer starts when abnormal cells grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way and if the cancer that begins in the lungs, it is termed primary lung cancer.80 There are two main types of lung cancer :81

  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) - is regarded as being the most common type of lung cancer. There are three main subtypes of NSCLC being adenocarcinoma, squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinoma, and large cell undifferentiated carcinoma
  • Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)  - usually begins in the middle of the lungs and spreads more quickly than NSCLC.

Lung cancer

Find out more about the treatment journey for lung cancer at GenesisCare.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the prostate grow in an uncontrolled way.82 The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system.83 It makes a fluid that forms part of semen. The prostate is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum.83

Prostate cancer can press on or block the bladder or the urethra (the tube that allows urine to be released from the bladder) and cause problems with urination and sexual function.84 Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the disease, location, severity of symptoms, and general health.84

Prostate cancer

Find out more about the treatment journey for prostate cancer at GenesisCare.

Skin cancer

Skin cancer occurs when your skin cells grow abnormally, usually from too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.85 There are three main types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are known as non-melanoma skin cancer or keratinocyte cancers.85 The third type is melanoma.85 Treatment for each type of skin cancer depends on the individual patient.85 Treatments that may be offered can include surgery, chemotherapy or immunotherapy alongside other options.85

Types of skin cancer include:85

  • Melanoma – Melanoma is a type of skin cancer in the cells that produce pigment – called melanocytes. Melanoma is linked to sun exposure. But it can also affect areas of the body that aren’t often exposed to sun. such as under the nails and soles of the feet or palms of the hands.86
  • Non-melanoma skin cancers – Non-melanoma skin cancers develop among cells in the upper layers of the skin. The two most common types of non-melanoma skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC).
    • Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) -  usually appear where the skin has had most exposure to the sun such as the head, neck, hands, forearms or lower legs. SCC’s start in the upper layer of the epidermis and characteristically grow quickly over weeks or months87
    • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) – in contrast to SCC’s, BCCs usually begin in the lower layer of the epidermis (top, outer layer of the skin) and can appear in anywhere on the body.87 Yet like SCC’s, they most commonly develop on parts of the body that receive high or intermittent sun exposure (head, face, neck, shoulders and back).87

Skin cancer

Find out more about the treatment journey for skin cancer at GenesisCare.

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This website is provided for information purposes only. Nothing on this website is intended to be used as medical advice or, to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It should not be used as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.