Cancer Information and Support
A plain-English UK guide to cancer: choose the cancer type you want to understand, learn what usually happens during testing and treatment, and find practical, financial and emotional support for yourself or someone you care about.
What cancer means
Cancer is a group of conditions in which abnormal cells grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. Those cells can build up, damage nearby tissue and sometimes spread to other parts of the body.
There are more than 200 types of cancer. Symptoms, tests, treatments and the support available vary a great deal according to the type of cancer and the individual person.
Having a possible symptom does not necessarily mean someone has cancer. Many symptoms have other causes, but a new, unexplained or persistent change should be checked by a GP.
Sixpence Support UK does not diagnose cancer and does not recommend an individual treatment plan. This page explains things in ordinary language and points to NHS, NICE, Cancer Research UK and Macmillan information, so that decisions can be made with a qualified clinical team.
What do you need help with?
Choose a section. Each button moves down the page to the part you need.
Key facts
- Around 1 in 2 people in the UK will develop cancer at some point in their lifetime.
Source: Cancer Research UK, cancer statistics for the UK. - There are more than 200 types of cancer.
Source: NHS, Cancer. - Breast, prostate, lung and bowel cancers together account for more than half of all new cancer cases in the UK.
Source: Cancer Research UK, cancer statistics for the UK. - Cancer survival in the UK has doubled over the last 50 years.
Source: Cancer Research UK, cancer statistics for the UK.
Figures are population estimates for the UK as a whole. Reporting periods differ between statistics, and published figures are updated from time to time.
Choose a cancer type
Select a cancer type to find a short plain-English explanation and direct links to detailed NHS, Cancer Research UK and Macmillan information. If the exact cancer is not listed or the diagnosis is uncertain, use the full cancer A–Z links or ask the hospital team for the medical name.
What you type stays in your browser. It is not sent anywhere, stored or used to generate a medical answer.
52 cancer types listed in 9 groups.
Breast and chest
Breast cancer in women
Cancer that starts in the breast tissue. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the UK.
Where it affects: Breast tissue, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes under the arm.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Breast cancer in men
Men have a small amount of breast tissue, and cancer can develop in it. It is far less common than breast cancer in women.
Where it affects: Breast tissue behind the nipple, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Lung cancer
Cancer that starts in one or both lungs. There are several different types, and treatment depends on the type.
Where it affects: The lungs and airways, and sometimes lymph nodes in the chest.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Mesothelioma
A cancer of the thin lining that covers the lungs or, less often, the abdomen. It is strongly linked to past asbestos exposure.
Where it affects: The lining of the lungs (pleura) or the abdomen (peritoneum).
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Thymus cancer
A rare cancer of the thymus, a small gland behind the breastbone that plays a part in the immune system.
Where it affects: The chest, behind the breastbone.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Bowel and digestive system
Bowel cancer
Cancer that starts in the large bowel — the colon or the rectum. It is one of the most common cancers in the UK.
Where it affects: The colon and rectum.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Anal cancer
An uncommon cancer that starts in the anus, at the end of the bowel.
Where it affects: The anus and the surrounding area.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Small-bowel cancer
A rare cancer that starts in the small intestine, between the stomach and the large bowel.
Where it affects: The small intestine.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Stomach cancer
Cancer that starts in the lining of the stomach. Early symptoms can be vague and are often mistaken for indigestion.
Where it affects: The stomach.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Oesophageal cancer
Cancer of the oesophagus, the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach.
Where it affects: The oesophagus (gullet).
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Pancreatic cancer
Cancer that starts in the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach that helps with digestion and blood sugar.
Where it affects: The pancreas.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Liver cancer
Cancer that starts in the liver. Cancer that has spread to the liver from elsewhere is treated as secondary cancer.
Where it affects: The liver.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Gallbladder cancer
An uncommon cancer that starts in the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile.
Where it affects: The gallbladder, under the liver.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Bile-duct cancer
A rare cancer of the tubes that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the bowel.
Where it affects: The bile ducts.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Blood and bone marrow
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
A fast-developing cancer of white blood cells. It is the most common type of leukaemia in children, but adults can develop it too.
Where it affects: Blood and bone marrow.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Acute myeloid leukaemia
A fast-developing cancer of the myeloid blood cells, which usually needs treatment to start quickly.
Where it affects: Blood and bone marrow.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
A slow-developing leukaemia. Some people are monitored for a long time before any treatment is needed.
Where it affects: Blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Chronic myeloid leukaemia
A slow-developing leukaemia that is often managed for many years with targeted tablet treatment.
Where it affects: Blood and bone marrow.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Hodgkin lymphoma
A cancer of the lymphatic system, identified by particular cells seen under a microscope.
Where it affects: Lymph nodes and the lymphatic system.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
A large group of lymphatic system cancers. Some grow slowly and some grow quickly, and treatment differs a great deal.
Where it affects: Lymph nodes and the lymphatic system.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Multiple myeloma
A cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow, which can affect the bones, kidneys and blood counts.
Where it affects: Bone marrow and bones.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Myelodysplastic syndromes
A group of conditions in which the bone marrow does not make enough healthy blood cells. Some types can develop into leukaemia.
Where it affects: Bone marrow and blood.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Urinary system and male reproductive cancers
Bladder cancer
Cancer that starts in the lining of the bladder. Blood in the urine is a common first sign, although it usually has other causes.
Where it affects: The bladder.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Kidney cancer
Cancer that starts in one or both kidneys. It is sometimes found by chance during a scan for something else.
Where it affects: The kidneys.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Prostate cancer
Cancer of the prostate gland. Many prostate cancers grow slowly, and some are monitored rather than treated straight away.
Where it affects: The prostate gland, below the bladder.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Testicular cancer
Cancer that starts in a testicle. It is most common in younger men and is usually very treatable.
Where it affects: The testicles.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Penile cancer
A rare cancer affecting the skin and tissue of the penis.
Where it affects: The penis.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Gynaecological cancers
Cervical cancer
Cancer of the cervix, the opening between the vagina and the womb. It is strongly linked to certain types of HPV.
Where it affects: The cervix.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Ovarian cancer
Cancer that starts in the ovaries or nearby tissue. Symptoms such as bloating can be mistaken for other conditions.
Where it affects: The ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Womb or endometrial cancer
Cancer of the womb, most often starting in its lining. Unusual vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom.
Where it affects: The womb (uterus).
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Vulval cancer
An uncommon cancer of the external female genitals.
Where it affects: The vulva.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Vaginal cancer
A rare cancer that starts in the vagina, rather than spreading there from elsewhere.
Where it affects: The vagina.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Skin cancer
Melanoma
A skin cancer that develops from pigment cells. It can start in a new mole or in a mole that has changed.
Where it affects: The skin, and occasionally the eye or other sites.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Non-melanoma skin cancer
A group of common skin cancers that are not melanoma. Most are found early and treated successfully.
Where it affects: The skin, most often in sun-exposed areas.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Basal-cell carcinoma
The most common type of non-melanoma skin cancer. It usually grows slowly and rarely spreads elsewhere in the body.
Where it affects: The skin, often on the face, head or neck.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Squamous-cell skin cancer
The second most common type of non-melanoma skin cancer. It can grow more quickly than a basal-cell carcinoma.
Where it affects: The skin, often in areas exposed to the sun.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Head, neck and glands
Mouth cancer
Cancer that starts in the mouth, including the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks.
Where it affects: The mouth and nearby tissue.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Throat and laryngeal cancer
Cancer of the voice box or nearby parts of the throat. A hoarse voice lasting more than three weeks should be checked.
Where it affects: The larynx and throat.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Nasopharyngeal cancer
A rare cancer of the part of the throat that connects the back of the nose to the back of the mouth.
Where it affects: The upper throat, behind the nose.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Salivary-gland cancer
A rare cancer of the glands that make saliva, most often the gland in front of the ear.
Where it affects: The salivary glands in the face and neck.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Thyroid cancer
Cancer of the thyroid gland in the neck. Many types grow slowly and have a good outlook.
Where it affects: The thyroid gland.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Eye cancer
A rare group of cancers affecting the eye or the tissue around it.
Where it affects: The eye and eye socket.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Brain, nerves, bones and soft tissue
Brain tumours
Growths that start in the brain. Some are non-cancerous but may still need treatment because of where they are.
Where it affects: The brain.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Spinal-cord tumours
Rare tumours that grow in or around the spinal cord. They are usually looked after by the same specialist teams as brain tumours.
Where it affects: The spinal cord and the tissue around it.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Bone cancer
Cancer that starts in a bone. This is different from cancer that has spread to bone from elsewhere.
Where it affects: The bones.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Soft-tissue sarcoma
A group of rare cancers that start in supporting tissue such as muscle, fat, nerves or blood vessels.
Where it affects: Soft tissue anywhere in the body.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Neuroendocrine tumours
A varied group of tumours that begin in hormone-producing cells. Many grow slowly, but some behave more aggressively.
Where it affects: Most often the digestive system or lungs, but they can start elsewhere.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Other situations
Children's cancers
Cancers in children are different from adult cancers and are treated by specialist children's cancer teams.
Where it affects: Any part of the body, with specialist paediatric care.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Teenagers' and young adults' cancers
Young people often have different cancer types, treatment settings and support needs from both children and older adults.
Where it affects: Any part of the body, usually with age-appropriate specialist services.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Cancer of unknown primary
Cancer that has been found in the body but where tests have not shown where it first started.
Where it affects: Found in one or more places, with the starting point not yet identified.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Secondary or metastatic cancer
Cancer that has spread from where it started to another part of the body. It is usually treated according to where it began.
Where it affects: Commonly the liver, lungs, bones, brain or lymph nodes.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Rare cancers
Cancers diagnosed in only small numbers of people each year. Care is often provided by a specialist centre.
Where it affects: Any part of the body.
Symptoms linked with this cancer can have many other causes. If something is new, unexplained or will not settle, contact a GP.
Possible signs and symptoms
Different cancers cause different symptoms, and some cause none at all in the early stages. The changes below are worth discussing with a GP when they are new, unexplained, persistent or unusual for the person:
- a new lump or swelling
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- blood in urine or stools
- a persistent cough or a change in the voice
- difficulty swallowing
- unexplained weight loss or reduced appetite
- persistent tiredness
- ongoing or unusual pain
- changes in bowel or bladder habits
- a new mole, or changes to an existing mole
- a sore or skin change that does not heal
- persistent bloating
- night sweats, or a temperature that keeps returning
These symptoms are common and often have causes other than cancer. Please do not use this list to diagnose yourself. Contact a GP when something is not normal for you, or when you remain concerned. Finding cancer earlier can make it easier to treat in some cases.
If appointments feel difficult
- write down when the change began
- say whether it is getting worse
- mention how it affects daily life
- take photographs of visible changes where that feels appropriate
- bring a list of medicines
- take someone you trust with you
- ask for communication support, such as an interpreter or longer appointment
- ask for the information in writing
When to get emergency help
Cancer symptoms usually need a GP assessment rather than 999. Call 999 for symptoms that are immediately life-threatening, whatever the cause:
- severe difficulty breathing
- vomiting blood
- severe bleeding that cannot be controlled
- collapse or loss of consciousness
- a first seizure
- sudden severe confusion
- signs of a stroke — face drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech
These symptoms do not mean that someone has cancer. They mean that urgent medical help is needed now.
Tests and diagnosis
The usual route through testing looks something like this, although not everyone has every step:
- an assessment with a GP
- a physical examination
- blood or urine tests
- scans, such as ultrasound, CT or MRI
- endoscopy, where a thin camera is used to look inside the body
- a biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is taken
- pathology results, once the sample has been examined
- staging and grading, to describe the size, spread and behaviour of the cancer
- discussion by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, who agree what to recommend
What the different terms mean
- Screening — testing people who have no symptoms, to find changes early.
- Tests for symptoms — investigations arranged because of a change someone has noticed.
- Urgent suspected-cancer referral — a fast referral from a GP to a specialist when symptoms meet certain criteria set out in NICE guidance.
- Diagnosis — confirming what a change actually is, which often means ruling cancer out.
- Staging — describing the size of a cancer and whether it has spread.
- Grading — describing how the cancer cells look and how quickly they may grow.
Waiting times and what they mean
In England, the Faster Diagnosis Standard sets an aim for cancer to be diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days of an urgent referral. Targets, wording and pathways differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
A national standard is a measure of how a service performs overall. It does not guarantee an individual appointment date or a date for results.
Support while you are waiting
- ask who to contact if an appointment is delayed
- keep appointment letters, phone numbers and test details together in one place
- ask for information in an accessible format, such as large print or easy read
- ask whether help with transport or travel costs is available
- contact the hospital if symptoms get worse rather than waiting for the next appointment
- seek medical advice if your health changes, instead of waiting quietly
Understanding treatment
Treatment depends on the cancer type, where it is, its stage, the test results, the person's general health and their own preferences. Nobody receives every type of treatment, and two people with the same diagnosis may be offered different plans.
- Surgery — removing the cancer, and sometimes nearby tissue or lymph nodes.
- Chemotherapy — medicines that kill or damage cancer cells.
- Radiotherapy — carefully targeted radiation.
- Immunotherapy — treatment that helps the immune system act against cancer cells.
- Targeted therapies — drugs aimed at particular features of the cancer cells.
- Hormone therapy — used where a cancer is affected by hormones.
- Stem-cell or bone-marrow transplant — used for some blood cancers.
- Active surveillance — careful monitoring where immediate treatment is not the best option.
- Symptom control and palliative treatment — easing symptoms, alongside other treatment.
- Clinical trials — research studies that some people choose to take part in.
Anyone having treatment can reasonably:
- ask questions, including the same question twice
- ask for information in an accessible format
- ask about the benefits, the risks and any alternatives
- ask who to contact between appointments
- ask for a further discussion if something is not clear
Please do not delay treatment offered by a cancer team while pursuing unproven alternatives. If you have heard about another approach, it is safer to raise it directly with the team.
Side effects and everyday life
Side effects depend on the treatment, the dose and the person. Many can be eased, so it is always worth telling the cancer team what is happening rather than putting up with it.
Tiredness, sickness, appetite and pain
Cancer-related fatigue is more than ordinary tiredness and may last for a while after treatment finishes. Sickness and appetite changes can often be helped with medicines and dietary advice, and pain can usually be controlled. Ask for a review whenever something is not working.
Hair, skin, nails and mouth problems
Some treatments affect hair, skin and nails, or cause a sore mouth. Teams can advise on mouth care, skin products, scalp cooling where it is offered, and wigs or head coverings.
Infection risk
Some treatments lower the body's ability to fight infection. Follow the instructions given by the cancer team, and keep the 24-hour contact number they provide somewhere easy to find.
Bowel, bladder, sleep and mobility
Bowel and bladder changes, disturbed sleep and reduced mobility are common. Physiotherapy, gentle activity agreed with the team, and practical aids can all help.
Sexuality, intimacy, fertility and body image
Cancer and its treatment can affect intimacy, fertility and how someone feels about their body. These are ordinary things to ask about. Fertility advice is best raised before treatment starts, because some options are time-limited.
Memory, concentration, transport and help at home
Difficulty concentrating is common during and after treatment. Ask about hospital transport, travel costs, and whether a social care assessment could bring practical help at home.
Urgent: possible infection during cancer treatment
Contact the cancer treatment team immediately, using the number they gave you, if the person develops a temperature, starts shivering, suddenly feels unwell or has any possible sign of infection. Follow the team's instructions, because infection during some cancer treatments can become serious very quickly.
Different teams give different temperature thresholds and instructions. Always follow the threshold and advice given by your own treatment team, and call them even if you are unsure.
Money, benefits and work
Cancer often costs money — travel, heating, time off work, and help at home. Eligibility for financial help depends on individual circumstances, so nothing here is a promise of entitlement. A benefits adviser can check what may apply.
- Universal Credit, if income is low or you cannot work
- Personal Independence Payment, for extra costs of a long-term health condition
- Attendance Allowance, for people over State Pension age who need help with care
- Employment and Support Allowance, in some circumstances
- Statutory Sick Pay from an employer
- help with travel costs to hospital appointments
- prescription arrangements, which differ across the four UK nations — prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and in England there are exemptions including a medical exemption certificate for people being treated for cancer
- grants from charities, including cancer-specific funds
- help with energy and heating costs
- advice on rent, mortgage and council-tax worries
- talking to an employer about sick leave, adjustments and returning to work
Emotional support
Cancer can bring fear, anger, sadness, uncertainty, low mood, anxiety or loneliness — for the person diagnosed and for the people around them. None of that is a personal failure, and support exists for all of it.
- a cancer clinical nurse specialist, often the easiest first person to ask
- a GP, who can review mood, sleep and medication
- hospital support services, including psychological support teams
- the Macmillan Support Line
- local cancer-support centres and drop-in services
- support groups, in person and online
- counselling
- peer support from people with similar experiences
- NHS mental-health services
- urgent crisis support if someone is struggling to stay safe
Please check the current telephone number and opening hours on the Macmillan Support Line page, as these can change.
Supporting someone with cancer
- ask what help is actually wanted, rather than assuming
- go to appointments if you are invited
- help write down questions beforehand and answers afterwards
- help with food, prescriptions, transport or household tasks
- respect the person's privacy and their decisions, including who they tell
- look after your own health, sleep and appointments
- ask about a carer's assessment or benefits advice where relevant
- get emergency help if the person becomes seriously unwell
Carers should not be expected to provide clinical care they have not been trained to give. If a task feels beyond you, say so and ask the cancer team or district nursing team what support is available.
Living with and beyond cancer
The end of treatment is not always the end of the experience. Some people feel well quite quickly, and others take much longer or find that some things do not go back to how they were.
- follow-up appointments and what they are for
- recovery after treatment, at whatever pace it takes
- rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- late and long-term effects, which can appear months or years afterwards
- fear of cancer coming back, which is extremely common
- returning to work, study or volunteering, with adjustments where needed
- changes in relationships, roles and confidence
- healthy living, approached without blame or pressure
- asking for a treatment summary or a written care plan
- where to go if new or continuing symptoms appear
Advanced, secondary or incurable cancer
Advanced cancer usually means a cancer that has grown or spread. Secondary or metastatic cancer means cancer that has spread from where it first started to another part of the body.
Treatment may aim to control the cancer, relieve symptoms or help someone live longer and more comfortably. Palliative care can be provided alongside cancer treatment, and it is not limited to the final days of life.
Practical things that often help:
- asking the clinical team what to expect, in as much or as little detail as you want
- asking about symptom control early rather than late
- thinking about plans and preferences, including who should be involved in decisions
- talking with family, including children, with support from the team if that would help
- knowing who to contact out of hours
Sixpence Support UK does not give survival estimates. Only the treating clinical team can discuss what a particular situation may mean.
Palliative and hospice support
Hospice and palliative services can help with pain and symptom control, emotional wellbeing, support for families and practical planning. They can be involved at different stages, not only at the end of life.
Cancer screening
Screening tests people who do not have symptoms, to find changes early. Investigating symptoms is a different thing entirely, and is arranged through a GP.
- breast screening
- cervical screening
- bowel screening
- targeted lung-health checks or lung-cancer screening, where these are offered locally
Programmes, age ranges and intervals vary across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and they change from time to time. Always check the current rules for where you live.
Someone with symptoms should contact a GP rather than wait for a screening invitation.
Reducing the risk of some cancers
Cancer is not always preventable. People who have never smoked develop lung cancer, people who look after themselves carefully develop cancer, and often there is no obvious reason at all. Nobody is to blame for developing cancer.
With that said, some things are known to reduce risk across a population, and they are worth knowing about:
- not smoking, and getting help to stop if you want to
- limiting alcohol
- keeping to a healthy weight where that is possible
- being physically active in whatever way suits you
- protecting skin from strong sun and avoiding sunbeds
- vaccinations such as HPV and hepatitis B when they are offered
- attending screening when invited
- following safety rules for workplace or environmental exposures
- talking to a GP about family history, where several relatives have had cancer
Cancer Research UK estimates that around 38% of UK cancer cases are linked to potentially modifiable risk factors. That is a population estimate. It does not establish why any individual person developed cancer.
Questions to ask the cancer team
This checklist can be printed, copied into a notebook or read from a phone during an appointment. There is no need to ask all of it at once.
Checklist: questions worth asking
- What is the exact name and type of the cancer?
- Has the stage or grade been confirmed?
- What further tests are needed?
- What are the treatment options?
- What is the aim of the treatment?
- What are the likely benefits and side effects?
- How soon does treatment need to start?
- Who should I contact if I become unwell?
- Which symptoms need urgent help?
- Is a cancer clinical nurse specialist available to me?
- Is fertility advice needed before treatment begins?
- Is transport, financial or emotional support available?
- Can I have this information in writing?
- What happens next?
Letters, communication and complaints
Sixpence Support UK can help draft a letter or email about:
- delayed appointments
- difficulty getting information
- requesting accessible communication
- contacting a GP surgery or hospital
- asking an employer for support
- following up a complaint
We cannot promise a particular outcome, and we do not give legal advice about rights or entitlements.
Trusted information and support
NHS, NICE, Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support are independent organisations. They are not part of Sixpence Support UK, and we are not part of them.
Trusted organisations and further support
Two established UK cancer charities offer free information, telephone support and practical help. Each button opens the organisation's official website in a new tab.
These organisations are independent of Sixpence Support UK. Their inclusion is for information and signposting and does not imply a partnership or endorsement.
- [1] NHS. Cancer · 2026
- [2] NHS. NHS screening · 2026
- [3] NICE. Suspected cancer: recognition and referral (NG12) · 2025
- [4] Cancer Research UK. Cancer types · 2026
- [5] Cancer Research UK. Cancer symptoms · 2026
- [6] Cancer Research UK. Cancer statistics for the UK · 2026
- [7] Macmillan Cancer Support. Cancer types A–Z · 2026
- [8] Macmillan Cancer Support. Get help · 2026
- [9] NHS inform (Scotland). Cancer · 2026
- [10] NHS 111 Wales. Cancer · 2026
- [11] nidirect (Northern Ireland). Cancer · 2026