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good to know says: Cancer is a disease which many people now survive. There are more than 200 different types of cancer, but they all start in the same way, with one abnormal cell. Many cancers have no obvious cause and happen 'out of the blue'. But there are recognised risk factors which can increase your chances of developing it. They include smoking, exposure to chemicals like asbestos, eating too much fatty food and drinking too much alcohol. Some cancers also have a strong genetic link, particularly childhood cancers. But most cancers develop in older people.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of cancer from patient.co.uk read on

What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease of the cells in the body. The body is made up from millions of tiny cells. Different parts of the body such as organs, bones, muscles, skin, and blood are made up from different specialised cells. All cells have a centre called a nucleus which contains genes made from DNA. The genes control the functions of the cell.

There are many different types cells in the body, and many different types of cancer which arise from different types of cell. What all types of cancer have in common is that the cancer cells are abnormal and multiply 'out of control'. See the leaflet called 'What is Cancer' for more details.

• Next: What causes cancer? Part 2

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