Home
Bupa members

Support and offers for individual members and customers

Cancer - an overview Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2009.

Answers to questions about cancer

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

What's the most common type of cancer in the UK?

The most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK is breast cancer followed by lung, bowel (colorectal) and prostate cancer. Over half of all people who are newly diagnosed with cancer have one of these types.

Explanation

Cancer is the most common cause of death in the UK. One in three people will develop cancer at some point in their life. There are more than a quarter of a million new cases of cancer each year in the UK.

Although rare among men, breast cancer is the most widespread type of cancer in the UK with over 40,000 people diagnosed each year. It's the most common form of cancer among women - three in 10 women who have the disease have breast cancer. Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in women with around 16,500 women diagnosed every year. Around 16,000 women are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, making it the third most common cancer in women. Together these three account for over half of all cancers in women.

The three most common types of cancer in men are prostate, lung and bowel. Each year over 30,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer - one in four of all men who have cancer have prostate cancer. In the UK for every five women who are diagnosed with lung cancer, seven men are diagnosed with it. Men and women have similar rates for bowel cancer until the age of 50 when it becomes more common in men.

Further information

Sources

back to top

How do I support my friend who has cancer?

It can be very upsetting if you know someone who has cancer, but there are lots of things you can do to help.

Explanation

If a friend has cancer it can be a very difficult time for both of you. It's important that you spend time visiting your friend so he or she doesn't feel isolated.

You can help your friend by giving emotional support and providing practical help. Talking to your friend will help you to understand better how he or she is feeling and coping with the illness. It will also give you a good idea of what practical support you can offer, such as doing the shopping or taking the dog for a walk.

You may find it difficult talking to your friend at first as he or she may act as if everything is normal. If he or she doesn't feel ready to talk, let your friend know that you will be supportive and continue to be a friend. It's important that you don't become distant from your friend and that your friendship carries on as it was before the diagnosis.

Look for information about the type of cancer your friend has to help you understand what he or she is going through. It might be helpful for you to contact support groups and people who are in the same situation as you.

It's important that you remember to take time out for yourself as it can be very stressful. Talk to other people about how you're feeling - you may also find it useful to talk to your GP. Exercise and relaxation can help to relieve feelings of stress and worry.

Further information

Sources

  • I am worried about my friend is coping with their cancer. What can I do to help? Macmillan Cancer Support. www.cancerbackup.org.uk, accessed 10 February 2009
  • Hello, and how are you? A guide for carers, by carers. Macmillan Cancer Support. www.cancerbackup.org.uk, accessed 10 February 2009
back to top

Can cancer be cured?

Yes, many people are cured of cancer but it depends on a number of things including the type, when it was diagnosed and how it responds to treatment. Treatments can also be used to slow the growth of cancers so that people with the disease can live longer.

Explanation

There are over 200 different types of cancer and some are easier to cure than others. Testicular cancer and Hodgkin's disease can be cured with chemotherapy. Most skin cancers are cured easily with surgery if they are caught early. Cures are very common in breast cancer and bowel cancer. Lung, stomach and pancreatic cancer are harder to cure. More research is needed into how they can be treated effectively.

If cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, there is a better chance of survival because the tumour is small and hasn't spread to other parts of the body. This means it's more likely that it can be removed by surgery. Some cancers respond better to treatment than others, even if they have spread to other areas. Testicular cancer is a good example where most men can still be cured even when the tumour has grown to a large size and has spread.

Some patients with cancer of the breast or prostate may not be cured but can live for several years. Treatments can shrink the cancer or slow its growth.

There is a large amount of research going on into developing new cancer treatments. Researchers are developing new and effective medicines all the time and patients are often asked if they will participate in clinical trials to test these.

Further information

Sources

  • What percentage of people with cancer are cured? Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 10 February 2009
  • Is cancer curable? Is someone ever really cured? Macmillan Cancer Support. www.cancerbackup.org.uk, accessed 10 February 2009
  • Can cancer be cured? Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, aaccessed 10 February 2009
back to top

Related topics

back to top

This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: July 2009

Cancer - a general overview factsheet

 

Rate this page

Up to £100 off a Bupa Health assessment

Bupa health insurance

Free online health check

Bupa Care Homes

Bupa travel cover