Your Guide to Cancer Information

Breast cancer arises from uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the breast tissue, usually beginning in the ducts (ductal carcinoma) or lobules (lobular carcinoma). It is the most common cancer in women worldwide and also affects men (though rare, <1% of cases). Subtypes include hormone receptor positive (ER/PR+), HER2-positive, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Lung cancer is a malignant disease that arises from uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lung tissue, most commonly starting in the lining of the bronchi or alveoli. It is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. There are two major categories: - Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): The most common type (~80–85%), includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. - Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): Less common (~15–20%) but highly aggressive, strongly associated with smoking, and prone to rapid spread.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) arises from abnormal growth of cells in the colon or rectum, often beginning as benign polyps that transform into malignant tumors over time. It is the third most common cancer worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Subtypes include adenocarcinoma (most common), mucinous carcinoma, and signet-ring cell carcinoma.

Head and neck cancers (HNC) include malignancies of the **oral cavity, oropharynx (tonsil/base of tongue), hypopharynx, larynx**, **nasopharynx**, **salivary glands**, and **paranasal sinuses/sinonasal tract**. Most are **squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC)** arising from the mucosal epithelium; others include adenocarcinomas (salivary), lymphomas, and sarcomas. Etiology varies by subsite: **tobacco/betel quid** and alcohol drive many HNSCCs; **HPV** (p16+) drives oropharyngeal cancers; **EBV** is linked to nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Ovarian cancer arises from abnormal growth of cells in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum. Most cases are **epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC)**—particularly **high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC)**—while others include **endometrioid**, **clear cell**, **mucinous** subtypes, as well as **germ cell** and **sex cord–stromal** tumors. It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to vague, nonspecific symptoms.

Prostate cancer arises from abnormal growth of cells in the prostate gland, a small gland in men that produces seminal fluid. It is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas. They may be indolent (slow-growing, localized) or aggressive (spreading quickly to bones and lymph nodes).