There are many different types of cancer. We have interviewed a wide range of people with personal experience of cancer, so that you can share in their stories. All of the topics covered in this section are listed below and in the menu on the left.
You may also be interested in Teenage cancer, which can be found on youthhealthtalk.org
Bowel Screening
Bowel screening can detect bowel cancer at an early stage. We interviewed 44 people about their experiences of bowel screening.
Breast Cancer in men
Because breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, many people do not realise that breast cancer can also occur in men in rare cases. In 2008, there were 48,000 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in women and just 341 new cases in men. We interviewed 33 men about their experiences of having breast cancer.
Breast Cancer in women
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and occurs in rare cases in men. We interviewed 47 people about their experiences of breast cancer.
Breast Screening
Breast screening can detect breast cancer at a very early stage. We interviewed 48 women about their experiences of breast screening.
Cervical abnormalities: CIN3 and CGIN
Every year many women are diagnosed with abnormal cervical cells. CIN (Cervical Intra-epithelial Neoplasia) means abnormal cells found on the surface of the cervix. CGIN (Cervical Glandular Intra-epithelial Neoplasia) means abnormal cells found on the glandular tissue in the cervix. CIN 3 indicates severe changes (not cancer) affecting the full thickness of the surface layer of the cervix.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer develops from cells lining the cervix. We interviewed 25 women about their experiences of this condition
Cervical Screening
Cervical screening aims to detect early abnormalities that may lead to cancer of the cervix. We interviewed 37 women about their experiences of cervical screening.
Colorectal Cancer
Bowel, or colorectal, cancer occurs in the colon or rectum. We interviewed 39 people about their experiences of bowel cancer.
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
Every year thousands of women are diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) after having a routine mammogram. We interviewed 35 women about their experiences of DCIS found through routine breast screening.
Leukaemia
Leukaemia is a cancer of white blood cells that affects adults as well as children. We interviewed 45 people about their experiences of the various types of leukaemia and related conditions during adulthood. Select from the key topics below, choose from the full list of topics, or explore all the interviews.
Living with and beyond cancer
Seen as an almost always fatal disease half a century ago, cancer has become a treatable disease for many, thanks to improvements in diagnosis and treatment. There are now more than 2 million people living with cancer in the UK; more than half survive for at least five years, and some a lot longer.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers. We interviewed 45 people about their experiences of this condition.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). We interviewed 45 people about their experiences of Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer (cancer of the ovary) is one of the most common cancers in women. We interviewed 48 women about their experiences of this condition.
Pancreatic Cancer
The pancreas is a gland that has two functions: to produce digestive enzymes that break down food, and to produce hormones, such as insulin, which regulate the level of sugar in the blood. When a cancer develops in the pancreas it interferes with these normal functions. We interviewed 32 people about their experiences of having pancreatic cancer, and 8 people who had cared for a relative who died from it.
Penile Cancer
Penile cancer can start out as a tightening of the foreskin or a red blotch on the end of the penis (the glans) and can grow into a lump. The cancer can spread and affect parts of the groin called ‘lymph nodes’. As a rare cancer, with approximately 400 new diagnoses in the UK every year, this condition is treated by specialist centres that are spread out across the regions of the UK.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. We interviewed 55 men about their experiences of this condition.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer can affect either one or both testicles. We interviewed 45 men about their experiences of this condition.
The PSA test for Prostate Cancer
The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test can help to detect prostate cancer. We interviewed 42 men and 1 man's wife about their experiences of PSA testing.
