Normally, cells divide in an orderly and controlled way, but if for some reason the process gets out of control, the cells carry on dividing. In many cases these cells develop into a lump called a tumour. Tumours are either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Doctors can tell if a tumour is benign or malignant by removing a piece of tissue (biopsy) and examining a small sample of cells under a microscope.
In a benign tumour, the cells do not spread to other parts of the body and so are not cancerous. However, they may carry on growing at the original site, and may cause a problem by pressing on surrounding organs.
In a malignant tumour, the cancer cells have the ability to spread beyond the original area of the body. If the tumour is left untreated, it may spread into surrounding tissue.
Cancer can occur in different parts of the body – there are more than 200 different types of cancer, each with its own name and treatment. Cancer can occur in organs of the body such as the kidney or the brain. These are sometimes called solid tumours.
Sometimes cells break away from the original (primary) cancer. They may spread to other organs in the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. When the cancer cells reach a new area they may go on dividing and form a new tumour. This is known as a secondary cancer or a metastasis.
Cancer can also occur in the blood cells in the bone marrow (leukaemia) or in the lymphatic system (lymphoma).
for more information about the different types of cancers go to:
We first met Naa in 2016 when she was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumour at 7 years old. In 2021 the cancer returned and Naa underwent treatment again. She has battled cancer twice and is now back in school.
Read moreWe first met Joseph in 2019 after he was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Find out more how he is doing after his successful treatment.
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Read moreRead more about our catch-up with Rebecca after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana six years ago.
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Read moreMeet Franklyn, now 17, who is fully recovered from cancer and dreams of becoming a doctor to help others
Read moreRebecca is now able to return to school after undergoing cancer treatment through World Child Cancer in Ghana
Read morePrince went on to become a childhood cancer advocate and help many other children just like him when he recovered from leukaemia. Read More
Read moreMeet Estaphanie, who is excited to start university after being forced to take time out of school following a cancer diagnosis
Read moreBulu is looking forward to following in his brother’s footsteps getting back on the football field
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