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- Conditions we treat
Conditions
We’re here to get the best possible life outcomes for every cancer patient. We do that by combining the right clinical teams with innovative and effective treatments.
Cancers we treat
We work with nationally and internationally recognised consultants to design and deliver many cutting-edge treatments that are proven to be safe and effective for cancers in adults.
There are over 200 different types of cancer, and each is treated in different ways. We personalise your care to you and your condition so it’s often a combination of therapies delivered in a seamless pathway from diagnosis to survivorship.
The main approaches to cancer care are:
- Early detection and diagnosis is critical so cancers can be identified before they have spread elsewhere in the body and be treated more easily
- Surgery to remove tumours
- Radiotherapy to target and destroy cancer cells and some difficult-to-reach tumours
- Systemic therapies – these include chemotherapy, hormone therapies and immunotherapies
You can read more about the types of cancer that we treat at GenesisCare here.
Blood cancer
Blood cancers occur when your body produces larger, or smaller, numbers of blood cells that don’t function properly. These abnormal blood cells prevent your body from performing its normal functions, including fighting off infections, carrying oxygen around and preventing serious bleeding.
The different types of blood cells are:
- Red blood cells – that carry oxygen around your body
- White blood cells – that help fight off infection
- Platelets – that help stop bleeding
These cells are made from stem cells, which are special cells found in your bone marrow.
Blood cancers are categorised according to the type of cell affected.
The three main types of blood cancer are:
- Leukaemia, including acute myeloid leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, chronic myeloid leukaemia and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
- Lymphoma, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Myeloma
Signs and symptoms of blood cancer
Blood cancer may affect your blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Bruising or bleeding
- Lumps or swellings
- Weight loss
- Severe infections
- A high temperature (fever) or abnormal sweating at night
- Itchy skin or a rash
- Pain in your bones and joints
- Fatigue
- Feeling out of breath
- Skin turning pale if you have white skin, or greyish if you have brown or black skin
Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have blood cancer and may be a sign of another underlying condition. If you have any concerns, or your symptoms are unexplained or persistent, you should see a doctor.
Blood cancer treatment
At GenesisCare, we offer many of the world’s latest treatment for blood cancers. Our highly experienced cancer experts work as teams to ensure that every patient can access world-class cancer care, within days of diagnosis. You’ll receive a complete personalised care plan that has been designed to support you physically and emotionally throughout your cancer journey. After all, we’re treating you – not just your cancer.
Leukaemia is a where abnormal white blood cells grow in an uncontrolled way. This means you might not be able to fight off infections and can prevent other blood cells from working properly too.
There are four main types of leukaemia which are named based on whether the cancer grows quickly (acute) or slowly (chronic), and the type of stem cell affected. Stem cells are the cells that mature into the various cells found in your blood (red and white blood cells and platelets).
Leukaemia can affect:
- Myeloid stem cells – which produce red blood cells, platelets and some white blood cells
- Lymphoid stem cells – which produced white blood cells called B cells and T cells
The four main types of leukaemia are:
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
Leukaemia can develop in both children and adults. In children and young adults, ALL is the most commonly occurring kind and CML is very rare. AML is the most common amongst 25 to 64 year olds, and CLL in 65s and over.
The causes of leukaemia are not fully understood and it’s hard to know who might develop the condition. There are risk factors that can increase the likelihood of you developing leukaemia, however, having one or more of these factors doesn’t mean you’ll get it.
Risk factors for leukaemia
You’re also more at risk of getting leukaemia if you:
- Are older – in adults, your risk of developing leukaemia increases with age; it is most common in people 60 or over
- Are male – chronic myeloid leukaemia and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia are more common in men than women
- Have a family history of leukaemia
- Have certain medical condition – such as some blood disorders, Fanconi’s anaemia and Down’s syndrome
- Smoke
- Have been exposed to radiation or have previously received radiotherapy
- Have previously undergone chemotherapy
- Have been exposed to chemicals, such as benzene or other solvents
Leukaemia can sometimes be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms are common to other illnesses. The most common signs of leukaemia before diagnosis are:
- Fatigue
- Breathlessness
- High temperature (fever) or sweating during the night
- Bruising and bleeding
- Lumps or swellings
- Bone or joint pain
- Repeated infections
You should see a doctor if you have one or more of these symptoms, or if you have any concerns.
Leukaemia journey
Find out more about the treatment journey for leukaemia, from diagnostics to survivorship
Lymphoma is a blood cancer that occurs when white blood cells called lymphocytes abnormally grow out of control.
Lymphocytes are part of your immune system and are important in fighting off infections. They travel around your body through your lymph nodes – this is called your lymphatic system. In lymphoma, the abnormal lymphocytes start to accumulate in your lymph nodes and may form a lump.
There are many types of lymphoma, but they can be broadly split into two categories by examining the cancer. They are:
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma – there are many types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Around 80% of all lymphomas are Non-Hodgkin and only 20% are Hodgkin.
Lymphoma develops when your lymphocytes stop responding to some signals in the body because of a change in their DNA. Although we don’t know why these changes happen and what exactly causes lymphoma, there are some known risk factors that increase your chance of developing it.
These are:
- Age – Hodgkin lymphoma is more common if you’re aged 20 to 24 or over 70
- Sex – most people with Hodgkin lymphoma are men
- Family history – you’re more likely to develop lymphoma if you have a family member with the condition
- Your immune system – you’re more likely to develop the cancer if you have a weakened immune system. This may be because you’re receiving immunosuppression medication or have a condition such as HIV or AIDS
- An infection – in some rare cases, viruses and bacteria can add to the development of a lymphoma if they have caused a chronic immune response
- Lifestyle – some research has shown that smoking and a diet high in animal products can be linked to lymphoma
- If you’ve previously had cancer
- Other conditions of white blood cells – some non-cancerous conditions cause high levels of white blood cells and may later develop into a lymphoma
The most common symptom of lymphoma is a lump. You may have one or more of these and they can usually be found around your neck, collarbone, armpit, and groin.
These lumps are swollen lymph nodes and they are normally painless. You may find the lump becomes painful after drinking alcohol, and it can cause some discomfort if it starts to push on some of your organs.
If you have suspected lymphoma, you may hear your doctor talk about the ‘B symptoms’. Your doctor will look out for these and it will help them stage your cancer and plan your treatment. The B symptoms are high temperature, sweating at night and weight loss.
Hodgkin's lymphoma journey
Find out more about the treatment journey for Hodgkin's lymphoma, from diagnostics to survivorship
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma journey
Find out more about the treatment journey for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, from diagnostics to survivorship
Myeloma is a cancer that develops in plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell that can be found in the bone marrow. They make immunoglobulin proteins which are important in fighting off infection. There are five types of immunoglobulin called IgA, IgD IgE, IgG and IgM.
In myeloma, plasma cells develop at an uncontrollable rate and become abnormal cancerous cells – these are called myeloma cells. Myeloma cells build up in the bone marrow and prevent it from making enough healthy blood cells. Myeloma is often called multiple myeloma, as the cancerous cells can affect the bone marrow in several areas of the body at once, such as the skull, spine, ribs and pelvis.
Myeloma cells also create abnormal immunoglobulins called paraproteins. These proteins are not effective in fighting off infection, so your immune system is weakened.
The type of myeloma you have is often named after the abnormal immunoglobulin it’s making. Around 65% of people have IgG myeloma and 20% IgA myeloma. IgD, IgE and IgM myeloma are rare.
It is not known exactly what causes myeloma, however, there are a number of risk factors that increase your likelihood of developing the condition.
There is a noticeable link between myeloma and another illness called monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS). MGUS is where there is an excess of immunoglobulin proteins in your blood. Around 1% of people with MGUS go on to develop myeloma. As of now there is no way to delay or prevent this from happening, so people with MGUS should have regular checks for myeloma.
Other risk factors for myeloma
You’re also more at risk of getting myeloma if you:
- Are older – myeloma is more common in people over 65 and rare in individuals under 40
- Are male
- Are black
- Have a family history of myeloma
- Have a weakened immune system – this may be because you’re receiving immunosuppression medication or have a condition such as HIV or AIDS
- Have an autoimmune disease – such as pernicious anaemia or lupus
- Are overweight
You may not have any symptoms in the early stages of myeloma. Often, it’s only diagnosed after a routine blood or urine test.
The most common sign of myeloma is bone pain and fracturing. Your spine, ribs and pelvis are most likely to be affected.
Other common myeloma symptoms include:
- Fatigue – you may experience tiredness because of the myeloma or associated complications such as anaemia
- Recurring infection
- Kidney damage – abnormal products made from the myeloma can damage the kidneys. Other complications related to the cancer, such as hypercalcaemia (high calcium in the blood) can also damage the kidney
Having one or more of these symptoms does not mean you’ll have myeloma. You should see a doctor if you’re displaying any of these signs to receive a proper diagnosis.
Myeloma journey
Find out more about the treatment journey for myeloma, from diagnostics to survivorship
Myeloproliferative disorders
We also treat other types of conditions affecting your bone marrow called myeloproliferative disorders. While they are a type of blood cancer, many people with myeloproliferative disorders feel well and only need gentle treatment.
Myeloproliferative disorders
Find out more about the treatment journey for myeloma, including diagnostics to different treatment options.
Bone cancer
What is bone cancer?
Bone cancers occur when normal bone cells develop changes and start to grow uncontrollably, creating a tumour. They’re also sometimes called bone sarcomas – bones are made up of connective tissue and sarcomas are the cancers that start in any connective tissue in the body.
This information is specifically about primary bone cancer, which starts in your bones. It is different to secondary bone cancer, which is where a cancer has spread to your bones from a tumour that started elsewhere in your body. Secondary cancer in bones is much more common than primary bone cancer, and your treatment will be a little different.
Cancers that originate in the bone marrow, such as leukaemia, myeloma and lymphoma, aren’t classified as bone cancers but as blood cancers, also known as haematological cancers.
Primary bone cancers are rare in the UK. There are several types of bone cancer and the kind you have can depend on the type of bone cell the cancer originates from. Primary bone cancers can affect anybody, however some bone cancers are more common in young people, as rapid growth spurts that occur during puberty can increase the risk of bone tumours. There are many different types of bone cancer and at GenesisCare we treat:
- Osteosarcoma – most common in young people aged 10 to 19
- Ewing’s sarcoma – often develops in children and adolescents, between 0 and 14 years old
- Chondrosarcoma – usually affects adults
The causes of bone cancer are not fully understood, and this makes it hard to know who may or may not develop the cancer. There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of you developing bone cancer, however, having one or more risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll get it.
Risk factors for bone cancer
You’re more at risk of getting bone cancer if you:
- Have previously been exposed to radiation, for example radiotherapy treatment
- Have other bone diseases – such as enchondroma, osteochondroma, Ollier’s disease or Paget disease
- Have a certain inherited genetic condition – such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or hereditary retinoblastoma
Bone cancers can develop in any bone, but most often they affect the long bones of the legs or upper arms. The symptoms of bone cancer can vary according to the size of the cancer and where it is. Symptoms of bone cancer are:
- Bone pain
- Bone fracturing
- A lump over the bone
- Swelling or redness if you have white skin or darkening if you have brown or black skin
- Difficulty moving the joint
- Fatigue
- High temperature (fever)
- Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms may be caused by other benign conditions and having one or more of the signs above doesn’t mean you have bone cancer. You should see a doctor if you have any concerns.
Bone cancer treatment
We offer the latest treatments for bone cancer including surgery, chemotherapy, advanced radiotherapy and targeted therapy.
Our highly experienced cancer experts work together to ensure that every patient can access world-class cancer care, within days of diagnosis. You’ll receive a complete personalised care plan that has been designed to support you physically and emotionally through your cancer journey. We’re here to treat you – not just your cancer.
Primary bone cancer journey
Find out more about the treatment journey for primary bone cancer, from diagnostics to survivorship
Secondary bone cancer journey
Find out more about the treatment journey for secondary bone cancer, from diagnostics to survivorship
Bowel cancer
What is bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer occurs when normal bowel cells mutate and grow uncontrollably, creating a tumour. The bowel is split into two main portions – the large and small bowel – and both are part of the digestive system. At GenesisCare, we treat cancers in all parts of the bowel, including cancers that have started in the bowel and spread to other parts of the body (known as secondary bowel cancer).
Bowel cancer
Find out more about the treatment journey for bowel cancer, from diagnostics to survivorship
Brain and spine cancer
The study and treatment of tumours that are found in the brain and spinal cord is known as neuro-oncology. At GenesisCare, we're a specialist provider of neuro-oncology. We focus on proven techniques that diagnose and treat tumours, while preserving healthy brain tissue.
Our neuro-onclogy service uses stereotactic radiosurgery - an advanced 'brain-sparing' radiotherapy - alongside an expert team of specialist oncologists, therapy radiographers, neuroradiologists, medical physicists and neuro-clinical nurse specialists. This multi-disciplinary team approach allows us to create a unique treatment plan, designed for you.
Neuro-oncology at GenesisCare
Find out more about neuro-oncology at GenesisCare and how we can help you.
Brain tumours
Brain tumours are lumps of abnormal cells that have formed in the brain. If a tumour starts in the brain, it’s a primary tumour.
Spinal cord tumours
Most spinal cord tumours start in the neck and can cause symptoms in the arms and legs, as well as affecting bowel and bladder function.
Find out more on brain and spine cancer treatment at GenesisCare.
Breast cancer
What is spine cancer?
Spine cancer can affect the bones of the spine (vertebrae) or the nerves of the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves which transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body, and the spinal column serves to protect it.
Primary spine cancers, which start in the bones, nerves, or spinal tissue, are rare and make up less than 10% of all spine cancers. Most cancers affecting the spine are secondary cancers, meaning they originate elsewhere in the body, such as in the lungs, breasts, or prostate, and then spread to the spine.
Central nervous system (CNS) tumours
Brain, other CNS and intracranial tumours are the 9th most common cancer in the UK.
The main parts of the brain are:
- The cerebrum (two halves with four lobes on each side- frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital)
- The cerebellum
- The brain stem
- The pituitary gland
Gastrointestinal cancer
- Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is the name for cancers affecting the digestive system (or GI tract).
- There are a range of types of gastrointestinal cancers including:
- Bile duct cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Large bowel cancer
- Liver cancer
- Oesophageal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Small bowel cancer
- Stomach cancer
Genitourinary cancer
- There are many different type of genitourinary cancers which effect both men and women.
- Types of genitourinary cancers
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Penile cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Urethral cancer
- Ureter cancer
Gynaecological cancer
- Gynaecological cancers affect a woman’s reproductive system. They can happen to women of all ages but are most common if you’re over 50.
- You can find more information about different types of gynaecological cancer below:
Cervical cancer begins in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) and joins to the vagina. Abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix grow abnormally in an uncontrolled way.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of all cancers. It is easily treated if caught early. It can be triggered by a type of human papillomavirus (HPV) that is sexually acquired.
The fallopian tubes are part of a woman’s reproductive system and link the ovaries to the uterus (womb). It’s very rare for cancer to start in the fallopian tubes.
Most cancers that affect the fallopian tubes actually start somewhere else – usually in an ovary, breast, or the lining of the uterus (endometrium). This is known as secondary cancer. The most common kind of fallopian tube cancer is adenocarcinoma.
Most cases of ovarian cancer affect women who have been through menopause, normally aged over 50.
Ovarian cancer happens when cancerous cells in the ovary grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way. They form a tumour that can spread to other areas of the body. At an early stage, ovarian cancer can be difficult to diagnose.
Vaginal cancer begins in cells that line the surface of the vagina. It’s a rarer type of cancer.
The vagina is the area between the cervix and the vulva. While other types of cancer can spread to the vagina, it’s unusual for cancer to begin in this area.
It has a good chance of being cured if it’s diagnosed early but if it spreads beyond the vaginal area, it’s more difficult to treat.
Vulval cancer is relatively rare. It can start in any part of the external female sex organs.
This includes the opening of the vagina, the inner and outer lips (also called labia minora and labia majora), the clitoris and the mons pubis (soft, fatty mound of tissue, above the labia).
Risk factors include genetics, being nulliparous (not had children), being overweight/obese, diabetes, lack of physical activity, hormone replacement therapy, polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS, polyps, Parkinson’s disease.
Head and neck cancer
Head and neck cancer is a broad term given to a number of cancers that occur in the head and neck region. It is a reasonably uncommon cancer type in the UK – each year there are around 12,000 new cases diagnosed, that’s around 0.02% of the population. Head and neck cancer is a broad term given to a number of cancers that occur in the head and neck region. It is the 8th most common cancer in the UK but has been increasing in incidence by 10% over the last 10 years.
There are more than 30 areas within the head and neck where these cancers can arise, such as the:
- Mouth – the most common type
- Tongue
- Throat (pharynx/back of the tongue and tonsils)
- Voice box (larynx)
- Nose and sinuses
- Salivary glands
- Middle ear
- Back of the nose and mouth (nasopharynx)
Despite their location, cancers of the oesophagus, brain and eye aren’t generally classified as a head and neck cancer.
The exact causes of head and cancers are not known. There are risk factors that can increase the likelihood of you developing head and neck cancer. Having one or more of these factors does not mean you will get cancer.
The most common risk factors for head and neck cancers in the past were related to the use of alcohol and tobacco. However, more cases have been seen in people with little to no history of drinking alcohol or smoking over the last few decades. Now, it appears that infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV) is a more prominent risk factor.
You’re also more at risk of developing head and neck cancers if you:
- Are older – your risk of getting head and neck cancers increases with age, with most cases diagnosed in people over the age of 50
- Are male
- Have lowered immunity, such as due to certain conditions or medications
- Work with dust and certain chemicals
- Have poor oral hygiene
- A lump in the neck
- Swelling around your ear, jawbone, neck, cheek or eyes
- A sore throat or a feeling of a lump in the throat
- Changes to your voice and speech
- Red or white patches in the mouth that don’t go away
- Breathing problems – such as a persistent blocked nose, noisy breathing or shortness of breath
- Changes to your eating – pain or discomfort when swallowing or chewing, unexplained weight loss
- Pain or numbness
- Bleeding – in the mouth or nosebleeds
- Difficulty hearing or an earache
It’s important to remember that your symptoms may be caused by other, non-cancerous conditions. If you think you display one or more of these symptoms, it does not mean you have head and neck cancer. You should see a doctor if you have any concerns.
Diagnosing head and neck cancer
As the UK’s leading private cancer specialist, we have a dedicated team of head and neck experts providing rapid access to assessment, diagnosis and treatment for any symptoms or concerns you may have. We’re able to diagnose any condition causing your symptoms and ensure you have the answers and treatment you need without delay. Find out how to book an appointment at our Rapid Access Head and Neck service with appointments often within 24 hours.
Treatments for head and neck cancer
We offer the latest treatments for head and neck cancer including surgery, chemotherapy, advanced radiotherapy and innovative techniques such as photobiomodulation therapy.
Our highly experienced cancer experts work as teams to ensure that every patient can access world-class cancer care, within days of diagnosis. You’ll receive a complete personalised care plan that has been designed to support you physically and emotionally through your cancer journey. After all, we’re treating you – not just your cancer.
Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
At GenesisCare we use advanced radiotherapy techniques that help improve the accuracy, safety, speed and comfort of treatment. Our world-class service is led by a team of expert specialists to provide everything you need throughout your treatment.
You can find out more about the treatment journey, from diagnostics to survivorship, for different types of head and neck cancer by following the links below:
Liver cancer
What is liver cancer?
Liver cancer occurs when normal liver cells mutate and grow uncontrollably, creating a tumour. The liver is a sizable organ found in the upper right of your abdomen, it helps to digest your food and remove toxins from within the body.
At GenesisCare, we treat cancers in all parts of the liver, including cancers that have spread to the liver from other parts of the body (known as secondary liver cancer).
Cancer in the liver can affect anybody, but its usually found in people aged between 55 and 75 and is most common in those over 65’s. Each year in the UK, around 6,100 people are diagnosed with liver cancer.
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) – the most common type of liver cancer which develops in the main liver cells called hepatocytes
- Fibrolamellar carcinoma – a rare subtype of HCC that usually develops in people aged 20 to 40
- Cholangiocarcinoma – this type of cancer starts in the bile ducts, which connect the liver to the small bowel. Bile is a liquid made in the liver and helps digest food
- Angiosarcoma – also known as hemangiosarcoma, this type of cancer is extremely rare and develops in the blood vessels of the liver
- Hepatoblastoma – a very rare type of liver cancer that primarily affects young children
The causes of liver cancer are not fully understood, making it hard to know who may or may not develop cancer. Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of you developing liver cancer, however, having one or more of these factors doesn’t mean you’ll get it.
Risk factors for liver cancer
You’re more at risk of getting liver cancer if you:
- Are older
- Are male – HCC is more common in men than women
- Are obese
- Smoke
- Have long-term infection of hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV)
- Have cirrhosis, scarring of the liver
- Are type-2 diabetic
- Have non–alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic syndrome – including high blood pressure (hypertension) and high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia)
- Have a family history of liver cancer
- Have previously taken anabolic steroids for a long period
Liver cancers don’t always cause symptoms in the early stages of the condition, so you may not experience any symptoms until it has become more advanced. The most common liver cancer symptoms include:
- Unexpected weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling full after eating small amounts
- Jaundice – yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
- Itchy skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling or pain in the abdomen
- A lump in the abdomen
Liver cancer treatment
We offer many of the latest treatments in liver cancer, including advanced radiotherapy, targeted therapy and chemotherapy.
Our highly experienced cancer experts work as teams to ensure that every patient can access world-class cancer care within days of diagnosis. You’ll receive a complete personalised care plan that has been designed to support you physically and emotionally through your cancer journey. After all, we’re treating you – not just your cancer.
Primary liver cancer
Find out more about the treatment journey for liver cancer that starts in the liver, from diagnostics to the latest treatments.
Secondary liver cancer
Find out more about the treatments we offer for cancer that has spread to the liver from elsewhere in the body.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is when cells in your lung tissue become abnormal and grow at an uncontrollable rate to form a tumour. It is the third most common cancer type in the UK. Nearly 50,000 people are diagnosed with it in the UK each year.
You may hear lung cancers being described as primary or secondary. Primary lung cancer is when the tumour started in your lung. There are three main types of primary lung cancer and they are categorised according to the type of cells the cancer developed in. They are:
- Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC): The most common kind of lung cancer, accounting for nearly 90% of diagnoses. NSCLC’s can be further split into three types: adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma
- Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC): A more uncommon type of lung cancer. SCLC usually spreads quicker than NSCLC and is often diagnosed when it is at an advanced stage
- Mesothelioma: This is a cancer that develops in the pleura – the lining of the lung. You’re more likely to develop mesothelioma if you’ve been exposed to asbestos
Secondary lung cancer is when cancer cells have spread (metastasised) to your lung from a cancer in another part of the body.
The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking. Around 85% of people who get lung cancer are either smokers or ex-smokers, and if you started smoking from a younger age your risk will be increased.
Research has shown that outdoor air pollution can also cause lung cancer. In the UK, almost 10% of lung cancer cases are caused by air pollution, but how this happens isn’t fully understood yet.
Risk factors for lung cancer
The likelihood of you developing lung cancer is much lower if you don’t smoke. However, you’re more at risk of getting lung cancer if you:
- Are around other smokers (passive smoking)
- Are older – although lung cancer can develop in people of any age, it’s more common in older people. Around 40% of people who are diagnosed with lung cancer are 75 or over
- Are exposed to chemicals and substances (carcinogens) through work – such as arsenic, asbestos, coal, silica and nickel
- Are exposed to radon gas – this is a naturally occurring gas that comes from soil, it may accumulate in buildings to unsafe levels in some parts of the UK
- Have family members with lung cancer – it’s not known if this is because lung cancer can run in the family (an inherited gene) or shared risk factors
- Have lowered immunity – your immune system could be weaker because of medication or if you have a condition such as HIV or AIDS
- Have previously received radiotherapy to your chest to treat other cancers
There are often no noticeable symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer, when the tumour is quite small. You may begin to develop some symptoms, including:
- Coughing
- Chest infections
- Chest pains
- Breathlessness – this can be during your daily activities or at rest
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- A hoarse voice
- Blood in your phlegm or mucus
We offer the latest treatments for lung cancer including chemotherapy, advanced radiotherapy and organ-sparing techniques, such as deep inspiration breath hold, as standard.
Our highly experienced cancer experts work as teams to ensure that every patient can access world-class cancer care, within days of diagnosis. You’ll receive a complete personalised care plan that has been designed to support you physically and emotionally through your cancer journey. After all, we’re treating you – not just your cancer.
Lung cancer journey
Find out more about the treatment journey for lung cancer, from diagnostics to survivorship
Trachea cancer
Trachea cancer is a rare type of lung cancer, sometimes known as bronchial cancer. That’s because the trachea (or windpipe) has two branches – known as bronchi, and this is where the disease usually starts. Most tumours that begin in the trachea or bronchi are cancerous. However, other tumours can spread to the trachea (metastasised) from other parts of the body.
Trachea cancer journey
Find out more about the treatment journey, how we diagnose and treat trachea cancer
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer most often found in the layer of tissue covering each lung (pleural mesothelioma). It can also affect the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and occasionally other areas in the body.
Most cases are caused by asbestos. It can take over 20 years for problems to appear from initial exposure.
Mesothelioma treatment
Find out more about our dedicated mesothelioma service. You can come to us directly at any stage in your cancer journey. We provide clinical advice, expert opinion and the latest evidence-based treatment options.
Prostate cancer
We have a comprehensive prostate cancer service led by our expert urologists and oncologists and supported by a team of cancer specialists, including chemotherapy nurses, wellbeing consultants, and skilled radiographers.
At GenesisCare, you can get diagnostics tests and scans quickly if you’re worried about symptoms, and the latest treatments including access to groundbreaking radiotherapy techniques that limit side effects and innovative therapies for advanced disease. We’ll support you from start to finish with a complete care package that includes exercise medicine and a range of wellbeing therapies that help limit the impact of cancer and its treatment.
What is prostate cancer?
Find out more about risks and symptoms of prostate cancer including diagnostic techniques.
Treating prostate cancer
Find out more about the latest prostate cancer treatments at GenesisCare, as well as our integrative cancer care service to support you through your cancer journey and beyond.
Skin cancer
Skin cancer occurs when skin cells change into abnormal cells and grow at an uncontrolled rate.
Most skin cancers are caused by UV light damage from the sun or artificial sources, such as tanning beds. You also have a higher risk the more times you have had sunburn.
Other risk factors for skin cancer include:
- Increased age – your risk increases with age
- Have fair skin, blonde or red hair or blue eyes
- Have lots of moles, freckles or birthmarks
- Have a family history of melanoma
- Have a certain medical conditions – such as a weakened immune system
There are two main types of skin cancer – melanoma skin cancer (the type linked with moles) and non-melanoma skin cancer.
Melanoma starts in skin cells called melanocytes. It is less common than non-melanoma skin cancer but it is more dangerous.
Melanoma can develop from existing moles or as a new mole or patch of abnormal skin that may appear (70% of cases). This can happen anywhere on the body but usually in areas more exposed to the sun.
The most common sign of melanoma is a new mole or a change to an existing mole. It is useful to use ABCDE for melanoma warning signs on existing moles:
- A – asymmetry – a healthy mole is usually round because it grows evenly, so an asymmetrical mole is a cause for concern
- B – border – a rough or blurred border that isn’t clearly defined
- C – colour – uneven colour of varying shade of pink and red or brown and black
- D – diameter – melanomas are often larger than 6mm though not always and healthy moles can be larger
- E – elevation or enlargement – the mole may grow, swell or become elevated or inflamed over time
The mole may also become itchy, bleed or crusty.
You should see a doctor if you notice a new mole or a change in an existing mole.
Melanoma skin cancer journey
Find out more about the treatment journey for melanoma, from diagnostics to survivorship
Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, but it is mostly not life-threatening.
It starts in the top layer of the skin, called the epidermis, and is often related to sun exposure. There are two main types of non-melanoma skin cancer, depending on the type of skin cells affected, although it can be a mix of these types.
- Basal cell carcinoma – the most common type which very rarely spreads to another part of the body
- Squamous cell carcinoma – usually faster growing than basal cell carcinomas, and more likely to spread although it is still uncommon
Non-melanoma skin cancer usually appears gradually as a lump or patch of discoloured skin that persists for a few weeks. It can develop over months or years, with areas of abnormal but not yet cancerous cells (called pre-cancerous lesions) that may develop into cancerous cells over time.
You should see a doctor if you have any skin abnormality for over four weeks, such as a lump, ulcer, lesion or discolouration.
Non-melanoma skin cancer journey
Find out more about the treatment journey for non-melanoma skin cancer, from diagnostics to the latest treatments
Non-melanoma skin cancer can occur on its own or within wider areas of pre-cancerous skin tissue containing abnormal cells that are at risk of developing into skin cancer – this is known as extensive skin field cancerisation.
Within this area of skin you may have rough patches called actinic keratosis caused by years of sun damage. Even though actinic keratosis is not cancerous, there’s a chance it may eventually turn into squamous cell cancer if the area isn’t treated. This means it’s important to treat it, as there’s a chance that squamous cell cancer can become an aggressive cancer that spreads throughout your body.
Extensive skin field cancerisation journey
Find out more about the treatment journey for extensive skin field cancerisation, from diagnostics to the latest treatments
Gastric MALT lymphoma
What is gastric MALT lymphoma?
MALT Lymphoma is a type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma which is a group of cancers that affect the lymphatic system (a network of tubes and nodes that help to fight infection). It starts when white blood cells called B-cell lymphocytes begin to grow in an uncontrolled way.
MALT gets its name from the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) where it’s found, most often in the lining of the stomach. This is called gastric MALT lymphoma.
It's a slow-growing cancer that responds well to treatment, especially as it's usually diagnosed early.
Gastric MALT lymphoma journey
Find out more about the treatments for MALT lymphoma from diagonsis to survivorship
Spine cancer
What is spine cancer?
Spine cancer can affect the bones of the spine (vertebrae) or the nerves of the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves which transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body, and the spinal column serves to protect it.
Primary spine cancers, which start in the bones, nerves, or spinal tissue, are rare and make up less than 10% of all spine cancers. Most cancers affecting the spine are secondary cancers, meaning they originate elsewhere in the body, such as in the lungs, breasts, or prostate, and then spread to the spine.
Frequently asked questions
Cancer is when cells in particular part of your body grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way. These cells can sometimes spread into other tissues of the body – this is known as metastasis.
When you’re diagnosed with cancer, your doctor will stage it to assess how large it is and how far it has grown. There are many different staging systems, however a common method is the number system:
- Stage 0 – the cancer is contained where it started and hasn’t spread
- Stage 1 – the cancer is small and hasn’t spread
- Stage 2 – the cancer has grown but it hasn’t spread
- Stage 3 – the cancer is large and may have spread to the surrounding lymph nodes or nearby tissues
- Stage 4 – the cancer has spread to at least one other organ – this is known as metastatic cancer
The grade indicates how fast the cancer is growing. This is judged by what is looks like under a microscope and how different it looks from a normal cell. The most common grading system is:
- Grade 1 – the cancer cells look like normal cells and aren’t growing quickly
- Grade 2 – the cancer cells don’t look like normal cells and are growing faster than normal cells
- Grade 3 – the cancer cells look abnormal and grow quickly, potentially spreading to other tissues more easily
We personalise care for you and your condition so it’s often a combination of therapies.
The main approaches to cancer care are:
- Early detection and diagnosis is critical so cancers can be identified before they have spread elsewhere in the body and more easily treated
- Surgery to remove tumours (at our partner hospitals)
- Radiotherapy to target and destroy cancer cells and some difficult-to-reach tumours
- Chemotherapy – a wide range of drug therapies that destroy specific cancer cells
New approaches include nuclear medicine and Theranostics – using radioactive substances to detect and treat cancers, often in a highly targeted way.
Alongside these treatments we also provide supportive care including wellbeing therapies and exercise medicine for all patients at many of our centres. Wellbeing therapies, including acupuncture, massage and counselling, are delivered through our partner the Penny Brohn UK charity to help support you through this challenging time. Exercise medicine is effective in improving treatment tolerance, building muscle mass and reducing cancer-related fatigue, among many other health-related benefits.
There are 200 different kinds of cancer. The major types are carcinoma, leukaemia, lymphoma, melanoma and sarcoma.
- Carcinomas - the most commonly diagnosed cancers. They originate in organs and glands such as the skin, lungs, breasts and pancreas.
- Leukaemia - cancer of the blood, which does not usually form solid tumours.
- Lymphomas - these are cancers of the lymphocytes (white blood cells).
- Melanomas - cancers arising in cells that make pigment in skin.
- Sarcomas - these cancers originate in fat, blood vessels, bone, muscle, cartilage and other soft or connective tissues of the body. Sarcomas are relatively uncommon.
There are three different types of tumour: benign, premalignant and malignant.
- Benign - these are not cancerous. They either grow or spread very slowly, or not at all. If removed they generally do not return.
- Premalignant - the cells in these tumours are not yet cancerous but have the potential to become malignant.
- Malignant - cancerous tumours. The cells of malignant tumours can grow and spread to other parts of the body.
Any changes to your body’s usual processes or unexplained symptoms can sometimes be a sign of cancer and should be investigated by a doctor. In many cases, the cause won’t be cancer and may be due to other conditions.
Some common signs and symptoms are below, but this is not an exhaustive list. If you notice anything different about your body or anything that isn’t going away, it’s important to get it checked – don’t assume it’s due to natural aging or another condition you may have.
- A lump anywhere in your body
- Changes in bowel habits that have lasted for more than a few weeks – diarrhoea, constipation, blood in your stools, pain, bloating or not feeling like you’ve fully emptied your bowels after going to the toilet
- Unexplained bleeding – in your urine, in your stools or from your bottom, when you cough, in vomit or between periods
- Unexplained weight loss that can’t be explained by diet, exercise or stress
- Moles – can be a sign of some skin cancers
- A persistent cough for more than three weeks – shortness of breath and chest pain can also be a sign but are also a sign of an infection, such as pneumonia, and should be investigated by a doctor straight away
Many cancers develop with no exact cause and a most likely due to a combination of factors. There are risk factors that can increase your chance of developing a cancer.
There are lifestyle risk factors that can be avoided or adjusted to reduce your risk:
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Being overweight or obese
- Poor diet
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Sun and UV tanning
Some things you can’t control such as aging or a family history of certain cancers can increase your risk.
Other risk factors include:
- Workplace or environmental factors – asbestos, certain industrial chemicals or natural gases
- Having low immunity can make you more at risk to certain cancers
- Some viruses and bacteria are linked to a higher risk of cancer
Different cancers affect your body in different ways, depending where they are growing and how advanced they are. Cancer can cause changes in your body and stop some processes from working as well as they should.
- Blood system – some cancers can change the number of blood cells circulating in the blood
- Lymphatic system – cancer cells can get trapped in lymph nodes near the cancer and begin to grow there
- Immune system – some cancers can weaken the immune system
- Hormone system – some cancers can effect the level of hormones in the body causing symptoms
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Contact us today to find out how GenesisCare can help you.