Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is cancer that starts in the skin’s basal cells, usually due to damage from UV light (sunlight). BCC often looks like a raised, pearly lump or sore, but can form deep ulcers as it enlarges. It rarely spreads in the body.

Bladder cancer is the name for cancers that arise in the tissues of the bladder, the organ that stores urine before it is expelled from the body during urination. Abnormal cells can form a tumour, affect urination and spread throughout the body.

Bowel cancer is the name for cancers that arise in the large intestine or rectum. Also known as colon cancer or colorectal cancer, bowel cancer can interfere with bowel function and spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver and lungs.

Breast cancer is the name for cancers that develop in breast tissue. Abnormal cells can form a tumour (lump) in the breast and spread throughout the body. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women, but can also develop in men.

Cancer occurs when damage to DNA in cells causes them to multiply in an uncontrolled way. These abnormal cells can grow into a mass to form a tumour and spread (metastasise) throughout the body. This can lead to damage to vital organs and tissues.

Carcinoid syndrome describes a set of symptoms caused by a carcinoid tumour that secretes various naturally-occurring chemicals, such as serotonin, histamine and prostaglandins. Symptoms vary, but can include flushing, diarrhoea and wheezing.

Cervical cancer is the name for cancers that form in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus where it meets the vagina. Most cases arise from human papillomavirus infection. Abnormal cells can form a tumour and spread to other parts of the body.

Kidney cancer is the name for cancers that arise in the kidneys, organs that produce urine (to remove waste products from blood) and regulate blood pressure. Abnormal cells can form a tumour, affecting urination, and can spread through the body.

Leukaemia is the name for cancers that form in white blood cells. These cells are part of the immune system, so leukaemia can increase the risk of infection. There are many different types of leukaemia, so treatment is tailored to the specific type.

Lung cancer is the name for cancers that arise in lung tissue. Abnormal cells can interfere with lung function and spread to other parts of the body. Smoking is a major risk factor, although non-smokers can also develop lung cancer.

Melanoma is a type of cancer that starts in the melanocyte cells of the skin, usually due to damage from UV light (sunlight). A new or changing mole may be a sign of a potential melanoma. Melanoma cells can spread to other parts of the body.

Mouth cancer, or oral cancer, is the name for cancers that arise in the tissues of the mouth, including the lips and the tongue. Abnormal cells can form a tumour (which can appear as a lump or ulcer) in the mouth and spread throughout the body.

Oesophageal cancer is the name for cancers that arise in the tissues of the oesophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Abnormal cells can form a tumour, leading to problems with swallowing food, and can spread through the body.

Ovarian cancer is the name for cancers that arise in the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. Abnormal cells can form tumours in the ovaries and spread to other parts of the body.

Pancreatic cancer is the name for cancers that appear in the pancreas, an organ near the stomach that plays an important role in digestion. Pancreatic cancer can interfere with how the pancreas functions and can spread throughout the body.

Prostate cancer is the name for cancers that form in the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. Abnormal cells can form a tumour in the prostate gland and spread throughout the body, commonly to the bones.

Skin cancer is a group of cancers that originate from several different types of skin cells. Treatment options vary, depending on the type and stage. Protective measures, such as minimising sun exposure and wearing appropriate clothing outdoors, can go a long way towards preventing skin cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is cancer that starts in the skin’s squamous cells due to damage from UV light (sunlight). SCC often appears like a red patch or sore. It can spread to other parts of the body, although this is rare.

Stomach cancer is the name for cancers that arise in the tissues of the stomach. Abnormal cells can form tumours and interfere with the function of the stomach. They may also spread to other parts of the body.

Testicular cancer is the name for cancers that arise in the tissues of the testicles, the organs that produce sperm in the male reproductive system. Abnormal cells can form a tumour and spread throughout the body, particularly to the lungs.

Throat cancer is the name for cancers that arise in the tissues of the throat. The throat (the pharynx) connects the back of the nose and mouth to the windpipe and the oesophagus (the tube that leads to the stomach).

Thyroid cancer is the name for cancers that arise in the thyroid gland, which sits at the base of the voice box, just in front of the windpipe. Abnormal cells can form a tumour (lump) in the gland and can also spread throughout the body.