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What is acute leukaemia? Acute leukaemia is a type of blood cancer. It happens when the body makes too many weak white blood cells. The weak cells take over healthy cells in your bone marrow. It is a type of cancer which grows and gets worse quickly. Because these cells...

What is bowel cancer? Bowel cancer is cancer that affects the colon or rectum. It is also called colorectal cancer. Cancer starts when cells that are not normal grow out of control. Bowel cancer begins when polyps (small clumps of cells) grow in the colon. Over time, polyps can turn...

What is follow up after breast cancer? Follow up with your care team is recommended after treatment for breast cancer. They will check whether breast cancer has come back, monitor side effects of treatment and provide support.  

What is a cancer support service? There are many support services for people living with cancer. Some people need help at home, or with money, work and legal issues.  Other types of support include emotional and wellbeing support to help you through your diagnosis. Family members and people who care...

What is chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)? Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a type of blood cancer. It affects the white blood cells in the bone marrow. It is a type of cancer which grows and progresses slowly. If you have CLL you might not notice any symptoms. This type of...

What is endometrial cancer? Endometrial cancer is cancer that starts in the uterus. Most women who get this type of cancer are aged over 50. This cancer is the most common type of cancer that affects the reproductive system. In people with endometrial cancer, cells that are not normal grow...

What is a familial cancer syndrome? When a gene changes, it increases the risk of cancer in a family. This is called a familial cancer syndrome. It is important to know not all cancers happen because of an inherited faulty gene.

What is a family risk of breast or ovarian cancer? Around 5 percent of breast cancers and 15 percent of ovarian cancers are due to a family link. This means the person with cancer has a gene mutation from a blood relative. A mutation is a change or fault in...

What is a family risk of colorectal or endometrial cancer? Around 10 to 15% of all people with colorectal cancer have a family history. Family history means the person with cancer has inherited a gene mutation from a blood relative. A mutation is a change or fault in the DNA...

What is head and neck cancer? Head and neck cancer is a term for cancers that grow in the head and neck area. Cancer can be inside the nose, sinuses, mouth, throat, voicebox and salivary glands. Head and neck cancers happen when unhealth cells grow and develop in the tissue...

What is life after cancer? After treatment for cancer ends, you will have regular appointments with your GP to monitor your health. This is to manage any long-term side effects and check that the cancer hasn’t come back or spread. 

What is liver cancer? Liver cancer is cancer that starts in the cells of the liver. In people with liver cancer, cells that are not normal grow out of control and form tumours. These cells can spread throughout the liver or to other parts of the body. There are several...

What is lung cancer? Lung cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the lungs. In Australia, more people die of lung cancer than any other cancer. Most of the time, lung cancer is linked with smoking – though non-smokers can also get it. If you or someone you...

What is lymphoma? Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer which affects the lymphatic system. It is the most common form of blood cancer in Australia. It can develop in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, blood or other organs. The two main forms are: Non-Hodgkin’s – affects around 90%...

What is melanoma? Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer. Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world. Melanoma is more common in men. It is often found on the trunk in men and legs in women. Melanoma sometimes looks like a brown spot or mole. It...

What is a multidisciplinary team (MDT)? When you have been diagnosed with cancer, you will be cared for by a whole team of health professionals. Each team member has different skills that help in providing care. Some team members are involved in diagnosing your cancer. Some are involved in treating...

What is myeloma? Myeloma is a type of blood cancer. It affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow. It can cause kidney and nerve problems or stop bone marrow from making regular blood cells. Myeloma can also affect the bone tissue, causing brittle bones and fractures, and high levels...

Neutropenia is a medical condition in which there are not enough white blood cells circulating in the bloodstream. Neutropenia can come on suddenly (acute), be there for a long time or come and go. Some people do not have any symptoms, but should symptoms show they can include bacterial infections...

What is Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer? Non-melanoma skin cancers or keratinocyte cancers are the most common cancers in Australia. Skin cancer happens when skin cells become damaged, often from getting too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.   The type of treatment depends on the type and size of the...

What is oesophageal cancer? Oesophageal cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells that line the oesophagus. This is the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. In people with this cancer, abnormal cells grow very quickly. This type of cancer is not common. You should...

What is ovarian cancer? Ovarian cancer is cancer that begins in the ovaries. In people with this type of cancer, cells that are not normal grow in the ovaries. These cells form a tumour, which is a mass of tissue. Tumours can grow and spread through the body. Ovarian cancer...