Finding out about cancer

Cancer is a disease in which some cells in the body grow in an uncontrolled manner. Cells normally divide in a controlled way, but abnormal cells keep on dividing.

What causes cancer in the first place, and how quickly the cells grow and spread, is different from person to person.

Some patients want to know everything they can about their cancer, others want to know just a little. This website aims to help you find good quality information of all types.

It should be remembered is that a large number of people with cancer overcome the disease and live fulfilled lives for many years. Improving survival rates are due to factors such as screening, early diagnosis and improved treatments.

This glossary, produced by Cancer Research UK, provides explanations for common terms associated with cancer and cancer care.