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What is Cancer?
The organs and tissues of the body are made up of millions of tiny cells. These cells repair and reproduce by division in an orderly and controlled way. If for some reason this division becomes disordered and out of control there is an increase in cells producing a growth called a tumour. This tumour can be either benign or malignant.
In a benign tumour the cells cannot spread to other parts of the body and are therefore not cancerous, but in a malignant tumour the cells are able to grow and invade surrounding organs or tissues.
Malignant tumours may also spread to other parts of the body. The original tumour is known as the primary and the cells that reach other tissues or organs in the body are called a secondary or metastatic cancer. The Doctors can tell what type of tumour it is by looking at cells taken from the tumour under a microscope – this is called histology.
There are several different types of cancer dependant on the organ or tissue cells in the primary tumour. This means that although there are standard treatments these will vary according to the histology results.
Nursing on the ward and in day care, Radiographers in radiotherapy Community Oncology Nurses and/or Macmillan Nurses as well as your own Doctor and District Nurses, who will be kept informed of your care and treatment.