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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
Cancer is not a single disease with a single type of treatment. There are more than 200 different kinds of cancer, each with its own name and treatment.
This section provides an overview of what cancer is - for further information, please see specific cancer types| or treatments|.
You can also watch our video explaining what cancer is|.
Information about what cancer is and how cells form tumours
Early diagnosis can often make a difference to how easily cancer is managed. There are some common signs and symptoms of which to be aware.
Information on the main types of treatment for cancer - surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and biological therapy - and a brief explanation of what they involve.
Information about cancer statistics, which your doctor or nurse may use when talking to you, and why they are used
We have translated our most commonly requested cancer information into a selection of different languages
Information on the different types of cancer. There are many types of cancer – most of them are carcinomas. More rarely, they might be leukamias, lymphomas, sarcomas or brain tumours
Information about cancer incidence, which types are more common amoung men and women, and what may increase a person's risk of getting cancer, such as increasing age or lifestyle choices. More than one in three people will develop cancer during their lifetime
Information about why cancers come back and what treatments may be used. Cancer can return after treatment either in the same area (known as local recurrence) or in another part of the body (known as secondary cancer)
Download leaflets with suggested questions to ask your doctor about your cancer treatment
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.
All of our cancer information is reviewed by people affected by cancer. Join our Cancer Voices network to use your experience to help others.