HealthInfo Aoraki South Canterbury
Overview of cancer
Tirohanga whānui ki te mate pukupuku
This page has links to information in other languages.
Cancer happens when cells in your body grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. The cancer cells may form a lump (tumour) and may destroy healthy surrounding tissue. Some cancers can also spread to other parts of your body (metastasis).
There are many different types of cancer and they vary in how fast they grow and spread. Even the same type of cancer can be different for each person who has it.
Cancers cause many different symptoms depending on what parts of the body they are in.
Diagnosing cancer
A wide range of tests are used to diagnose cancer. These include blood tests, X-rays, scans and procedures such as colonoscopies and gastroscopies.
There are cancer screening tests such as cervical screening, breast screening and bowel screening. These can lead to cancers being found early before they have caused any symptoms.
Treating cancer
The main treatments for cancer are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
These treatments can cause unwanted side effects, such as nausea, hair loss and diarrhoea. If you get side effects, there are ways of managing them.
Many cancers can be fully cured, especially if they are found early.
Self-care with cancer
Looking after yourself by eating well and keeping active are important parts of managing cancer. So are getting the emotional and spiritual support you need.
After you have finished cancer treatment it is common to have a mix of emotions including anxiety as well as happiness. You and those close to you may still have to make some adjustments.
Getting help when you have cancer
Being diagnosed with cancer can be difficult for you and your whānau (family). There is help and advice available during all stages from diagnosis and treatment to life after your cancer.
Reducing the risk of cancer
There are many things everyone can do to reduce the risk of cancer. It is still important to do these after you have had cancer.
Supporting someone with cancer
Having someone close to you who has cancer can be challenging. There is help and advice available on how to support a person with cancer.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Cancer Society
This website has resources and links about cancer and different types of cancer. To contact the Cancer Society, call 0800-CANCER (0800-226-237).
- Cancer Council New South Wales (Australian website)
Information about cancer, including information for LGBTQI+ people.
Includes information in other languages.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed May 2025.
See also:
Review key: HICCR-38555
