What brings you here?
Symptoms, eligibility and individual risk help determine the appropriate next clinical step.
AWithout symptoms
BWith persistent changes
Cancer Information
Clear information.
Clear information.
Better prepared decisions.
Understanding the type of cancer is an important first step in finding the right information, specialists, diagnostic pathway and treatment options. Explore patient-friendly guidance on common cancers and how to seek care at TLJCC.
Understanding Cancer Types
Understanding what is happening is the first step forward.
Cell behaviour · simplified visual
From regulated growth to abnormal change.
Cancer can develop in different organs and tissues of the body. Each cancer type can behave differently, and even cancers that begin in the same organ may have different biological characteristics. These differences help doctors decide which tests are needed and which treatment approaches may be most suitable.
01How cancer beginsChanges disrupt normal cellular controls, leading to unregulated cell proliferation and potential invasion of surrounding tissues.
02Every diagnosis is differentCare is not determined by cancer type alone; exact subtype, stage, pathology, imaging and biomarkers guide treatment.
03Personalised care plansMultidisciplinary clinical teams consider individual health and clinical findings to tailor the right therapy sequence.
From Awareness to Diagnosis
Different starting points.
Different starting points.
One informed pathway.
Screening and diagnostic assessment answer different questions. The appropriate route depends on whether symptoms are present, age, eligibility and individual clinical risk.
Screening pathway
Screening is intended for eligible individuals without symptoms to detect pre-cancerous changes or early-stage disease.
- Eligibility & risk assessment
- Guideline-based screening test
- Result review & surveillance
Clinical assessment
New, persistent or worsening changes should be evaluated promptly by a qualified healthcare professional.
- Specialist consultation
- Clinical evaluation & exam
- Diagnostic tests when indicated
Diagnosis &
stagingDiagnosis &
stagingDiagnosis & staging
Clinical findings guide which investigations are necessary to confirm cancer type and disease extent.
Assessment may include
01
LaboratoryBlood counts, tumour markers & chemistry
02
ImagingUltrasound, CT, MRI or PET-CT scans
03
BiopsyTissue or core needle sampling
04
PathologyHistology, grading & biomarker analysis
This pathway is a guide to help you prepare. A qualified healthcare professional should determine the appropriate clinical assessment for each person.
WHEN TO SEEK ADVICE
Persistent, worsening or unusual changes deserve medical attention.
Signs & Symptoms
Changes worth discussing.
Many symptoms have causes other than cancer, but early medical evaluation can clarify what is happening. Do not wait for pain before seeking medical advice.
01New lump, thickening or swelling
02Unusual bleeding or discharge
03Persistent pain or focal discomfort
04Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
05Ongoing bowel or bladder changes
06Persistent cough, breathlessness or hoarseness
Most symptoms are not caused by cancer, but any persistent, unexplained or worsening change should be assessed by a doctor.
Cancer Types
Explore information by cancer type.
Explore the priority cancer types below to learn about possible signs and symptoms, risk factors, screening and early detection, diagnosis and treatment options.
9 cancer types
Breast Tissue
Breast Cancer
Learn about breast changes, risk factors, screening, diagnosis and treatment options for breast cancer.
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Anatomical Focus
Colorectal Cancer
Understand cancer of the colon and rectum, including bowel symptoms, screening, diagnosis and treatment.
Explore information →
Respiratory System
Lung Cancer
Explore the main types of lung cancer, possible symptoms, diagnostic tests and treatment approaches.
Explore information →
Digestive System
Liver Cancer
Learn about primary liver cancer, liver-related risk factors, diagnosis and treatment planning.
Explore information →
Genitourinary
Prostate Cancer
Understand prostate cancer, PSA testing, diagnosis, staging and treatment options.
Explore information →
Blood & Lymphatic
Lymphoma
Learn about Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, common symptoms, diagnosis and treatment approaches.
Explore information →
Gynaecological
Cervical Cancer
Learn about HPV, cervical screening, warning signs, diagnosis and treatment options.
Explore information →
Blood & Bone Marrow
Leukaemia
Understand cancers of the blood-forming tissues, common symptoms, blood and bone marrow testing, and treatment.
Explore information →
Digestive System
Stomach Cancer
Explore symptoms, risk factors, endoscopic diagnosis, staging and treatment options for stomach cancer.
Explore information →No cancer types match this search. Try another name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers for common questions.
General information can help you prepare, but your multidisciplinary care team remains the best source of guidance for your individual health and treatment plan.
Does having symptoms mean I have cancer?
No. Many symptoms associated with cancer can also be caused by other conditions. However, any persistent, worsening or unexplained changes should be assessed by a doctor to identify the underlying cause.
What is the difference between screening and diagnostic assessment?
Screening tests look for early cancer or pre-cancerous changes in eligible individuals without symptoms. Diagnostic tests are performed when symptoms are present or an abnormal screening result requires further investigation.
What do cancer staging and biomarker testing mean?
Staging describes the extent of cancer and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs (commonly Stage I to IV). Biomarker and molecular testing identify specific biological characteristics that help doctors select targeted or hormone therapies.
How is an individual treatment plan selected?
Recommendations depend on the cancer type, stage, tumour characteristics, overall health and individual circumstances. Care is coordinated through a multidisciplinary team combining surgery, radiation therapy, systemic therapy and supportive care.
Can I seek a second opinion at TLJCC?
Yes. Seeking a second opinion is a standard part of cancer care. It can provide reassurance, clarify complex pathology or imaging findings, and help you review all available treatment options before making decisions.
Specialist Guidance
Not sure where to start? Speak to our team.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, received an abnormal test result, or would like to discuss your next steps, our team can help direct you to the appropriate service or specialist.