Revised: January 2006

Choose the type of cancer listed on the menu bar to the left.

Cancer tumours are usually named after the part of the body where the cancer first began. The name does not change even if the cancer spreads to another part of the body.

For example, if breast cancer spreads (metastasizes) to the lung, it is still termed breast cancer but with lung metastases. If chemotherapy were indicated as the best treatment, breast cancer drugs would be used to treat the lung tumour(s).

Other tumours such as "leukemia" (tumours involving the blood cells) may not mention the tumour site in the name.

Different types of cancer vary in their signs and symptoms, how fast they grow, how they spread, and how they react to different treatments. This is why it is so important to quickly and accurately diagnose a cancer, so that specialized treatment begins immediately.

For most cancers listed, you will find general information on the cancer as well as:

• Signs and Symptoms
• Cause (Etiology)
• Prevention
• Diagnosis/ Screening/ Staging/ Grading/ Types
• Treatment

Check out our Coping with Cancer section for help with nutrition, emotional, financial and practical support, how to deal with symptoms and side effects, and information about palliative care.

March 2007 We are currently reviewing and updating these pages. If you have any questions about your cancer and its treatment, please discuss with your oncologist or physician. Thank you.