The Different Types of Cancer

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. It can start almost anywhere in the human body and it is a disease where some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. There are multiple types of cancer and this article will explore some of the main types of cancer in the UK.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer occurs when abnormal cells within the lining of the bladder begin to multiply.

The possible signs and symptoms:

• Blood in urine.
• Difficulty passing urine.
• Pain in the lower abdomen, bones or back.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK. Breast cancer starts in the breast tissue, most commonly in the cells that line the milk ducts of the breasts.

To read about breast cancer in men click here.

The possible signs and symptoms:

• A new lump in the breast or in the armpit.
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
• Swelling of part of the breast.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the 14th most common cancer in females in the UK. It is cancer of the cervix which connects the womb and vagina.

The possible signs and symptoms:

• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause.
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse.
• Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odour.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (cancer of the bowel, colon or rectum) is the fourth most common cancer in the UK.

The possible signs and symptoms:

• Bleeding from your bottom.
• Change in normal bowel habits that last for more than three weeks.
• Abdominal pain, acute tiredness, and/or a lump on your stomach.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is the seventh most common form of cancer in the UK. It is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the kidneys.

The possible signs and symptoms:

• Blood in your urine.
• Swelling in your ankles and legs.
• A lump in your side or belly area.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the UK. It is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs.

The possible signs and symptoms:

• A persistent cough lasting for more than three weeks.
• Coughing up blood.
• Voice turning more husky or horsey.

Lymphoma Cancer

Lymphoma cancer is the fifth most common cancer as well as the most common type of blood cancer.

The possible signs and symptoms:

• Finding a lump on a lymph gland (necks, armpit, collarbone, groin, etc.
• Bone pain.
• Unexplained weight loss.

Melanoma Cancer

Melanoma cancer is the most serious type of skin cancer and can spread to other organs in the body.

The possible signs and symptoms:

• A new spot on the skin that changes in size, shape or colour.
• A spot that looks different from all the other spots on your skin.
• Redness or a new swelling beyond the border of the mole.

Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer

Oral and oropharyngeal cancer is cancer that is within the mouth and/or the oropharynx. The oropharynx is part of the throat that is behind the mouth.

The possible signs and symptoms:

• Pain in the mouth.
• White or red patches in the throat or mouth.
• Swelling in the mouth or throat.