Understanding cancer
Guidance for the most common cancers
A calm starting point for each cancer type: what to watch for, how it’s found, and how it’s treated today. Choose a type to see its full guide — all medically reviewed by Dr Khan.
Symptoms on this page are common to many harmless conditions too. Having one doesn’t mean you have cancer — but if something is new, unexplained, or won’t settle, it’s always worth a word with your GP.
Breast cancer
5 guidesThe most common cancer in the UK. Awareness, screening, and why many cases are found early and treated successfully.
Lung cancer
4 guidesSymptoms are easy to dismiss as something minor. Understanding risk, early signs, and today’s treatment options.
Prostate cancer
3 guidesCommon in men over 50 and often slow-growing. Understanding PSA tests, biopsies, and active surveillance.
Bowel cancer
3 guidesHighly treatable when caught early. What the home screening test looks for and the symptoms worth acting on.
Skin cancer
2 guidesThe most preventable common cancer. How to check moles, spot changes, and protect your skin without fear of the sun.
Cervical cancer
2 guidesPrevention that genuinely works. How screening and the HPV vaccine together are driving cases down.
Figures are from Cancer Research UK and the NHS. Each guide lists its full sources.
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Browse all guides →The best cancer is the one you never get
Around 4 in 10 cancers are preventable. See the habits with the strongest evidence behind them.
Prevention guides →