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It can start almost anywhere in the body and affects people of all backgrounds at all ages - though it more commonly happens as we get older.
It is usually caused by cells growing uncontrollably which leads to a tumour that can spread around the body.
On this page, you'll learn
Within these cells are our chromosomes which are packages of DNA. Our DNA contains instructions that tell our bodies how to grow, develop and function.
Over our lives, our cells continue to create new identical cells to support our growth and replace older worn out cells. It's a fundamental part of our life. The rate that cells replace themselves changes as we grow and develop.
In these cases, the copied cell is not identical to the original. These gene variations occur by chance over time as our cells divide over and over again.
Think of it as copying over an entire encyclopaedia — it's hard to do without making a few mistakes.
These checks and balances, like our immune system, work to fix mistakes made during the copying process. This helps keep our bodies healthy and functioning.
Sometimes these gene variations result in cells growing out of control and no longer participating in the healthy functioning of our body. Instead they only pursue what they want — to grow and replicate.
As we age our bodies are more likely to make these mistakes and not be able to fix or replace these rogue cells fast enough to prevent long term problems.
These cancer cells grow and divide at a faster rate than they die, which then causes a tumour to develop.
These variations can happen to anyone, which is why everyone has some risk of developing cancer.
Our environment and lifestyle factors, including sun rays, tobacco smoke or alcohol, can affect the likelihood of shifting the delicate balance between new cells growing and old cells dying.
Since families share DNA, having close family members who have had cancer can increase a person's risk compared to other people their age and gender.
Even though all cancer is genetic, only some of us are born with a higher chance of developing it.
These variations increase a person's risk of developing cancer, but it does not mean that they definitely will.
On the flip side, people without one of these gene variations can also develop cancer for other reasons.
This is why certain types of cancer are often more common in certain ethnicities. Although, it's important to remember that cancer doesn't discriminate and can affect people of all ethnicities.
It looks for gene variations in over 60 genes that can increase your risk of developing some of the most common types of cancer — including breast, bowel, skin and prostate cancer.
By having a holistic understanding of your personal health history, your family history and your genetic risk your lifestyle and healthcare choices can be customised to improve the chances of a healthier future.
Share this with the people you trust to speak to about your health — whether that's your partner, parent, doctor or friend.
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