Cancer
1-minute read
Cancer is a condition where cells in a specific part of the body grow and reproduce uncontrollably.
The cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue, including organs.
Cancer sometimes begins in one part of the body before spreading to other areas. This process is known as 'metastasis'.
Early signs of cancer are changes to your body's normal processes or symptoms that are out of the ordinary.
For example, a lump that suddenly appears on your body, unexplained bleeding or changes to your bowel habits are all symptoms that need to be checked by a doctor.
Cancer has a significant impact on the Australian community in terms of death, illness and costs. The most common cancers in Australia are:
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Last reviewed: January 2018
