Find out about what cancer is including an educational video and detailed information sheet.

What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease of the body’s cells. Our bodies are always making new cells to replace worn-out ones or to heal damaged cells after an injury. This process is controlled by certain genes: the codes that tell our cells how to grow and behave. Cancers are caused by damage to these genes.

Usually this damage happens during our lifetime. Some people inherit a damaged gene from a parent, which means that if they develop cancer it may be at an earlier than average age.

The beginnings of cancer

Normally, cells grow and multiply in an orderly way. However, damaged genes can cause them to behave abnormally. They may grow into a lump, which is called a tumour. Tumours can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumours are surrounded by a capsule and do not spread to other parts of the body.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/J0jRwqy_Tks?autoplay=0&modestbranding=1&rel=0

Glossary

Benign – not cancerous. Benign cells are not able to spread elsewhere in the body.

Cells – the ‘building blocks’ of the body. A human is made of millions of cells, which are adapted for different functions. Cells are able to reproduce themselves exactly, unless they are abnormal or damaged, as are cancer cells.

Genes – the codes contained in DNA in each cell that control the way the body’s cells grow and behave. Each person has a set of many thousands of genes inherited from both parents. Genes are found in every cell of the body.

Malignant – a tumour that is cancerous and is likely to spread if it is not treated.

Secondary – when a cancer has spread from the original site to another part of the body. It can also be called a ‘secondary cancer’. It is sometimes shortened to ‘mets’.

Tumour – a swelling or lump. Tumours can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Last updated: January 9, 2023