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Conditions

We’re here to get the best possible life outcomes for every cancer patient. We do that by combining the right clinical teams with innovative and effective treatments.

Cancers we treat

We work with nationally recognized consultants to design and deliver many cutting-edge treatments that are proven to be safe and effective for cancers in adults.

There are over 200 different types of cancer, and each are treated in different ways. We personalize your care to you and your condition so it’s often a combination of therapies delivered in a seamless pathway from diagnosis to survivorship.

The main approaches to cancer care are:

Early detection and diagnosis is critical so cancers can be identified before they have spread elsewhere in the body and be treated more easily
Surgery to remove tumors (at our partner hospitals)
Radiotherapy to target and destroy cancer cells and some difficult-to-reach tumors
Systemic therapies – these include chemotherapy, hormone therapies and immunotherapies

You can read more about the types of cancer that we treat at GenesisCare below.

The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS). The brain sends signals down the nerves of your spinal cord to the rest of the body to coordinate your muscles and internal organ functions.

Cancers develop when normal cells start to grow uncontrollably and form a mass known as a tumor. There are two main types of tumors that are found in the brain and spinal cord:

Primary tumor – cancerous cells that have originated in the brain/spinal cord and formed a tumor
Secondary tumor (metastasis) – a tumor that has originated in another part of the body and has spread to the brain/spinal cord

Secondary tumors in the brain and spinal cord are more common than primary tumors. It is estimated that approximately 35,000 patients will be diagnosed with a primary brain tumor each year in the U.S., and 140,000 patients with brain metastasis. Malignant (cancerous) brain and spinal tumors are relatively rare compared to other types of cancer.

Because they are located in such a critical area — cancers of the CNS are complicated to treat — which is why we work with teams of highly specialized clinicians to offer you the latest treatment plans.

The causes of these cancers are not fully understood, however, there are risk factors that can increase the likelihood of you developing them.

Having a risk factor for a disease doesn’t mean that you will definitely get it, but it does make it more likely. You may even have multiple risk factors for brain and spinal cord cancers and never get them.

The main risk factor for primary brain cancer is radiation. Radiation therapy for primary brain cancer is associated with a 55% increased risk of further brain tumors. Other risk factors include:

Age – adult brain tumors can occur at any age, but are most common in people 50 to 70 years old
Sex – there is a higher incidence of primary brain tumors in men compared to women
Having certain genetic conditions, such as neurofibromatosis or Li-Fraumeni syndrome
A family history of CNS tumors
Having diabetes if you’re female
Having another condition, such as Parkinson’s disease, HIV infection or AIDS

There are several early warning signs of cancers of the CNS, and these can vary from person to person. As the tumor grows, it takes up more space. Depending on its location, the growing tumor starts to increase pressure in your skull or on the nerves in close proximity, causing symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

Headaches
Tiredness and feeling drowsy
Nausea and vomiting
Changes to vision, speech or hearing
Fits

Other symptoms you may experience can be related to the area of the brain your tumor has developed in.

Symptoms by brain area:

Frontal lobe – changes in personality and intellect, difficulty in walking, weakness of one side of the body, loss of smell, speech difficulties
Parietal lobe – difficulty speaking or understanding words, problems with writing, reading or calculations, difficulties in coordinating movements and finding your way around, numbness or weakness on one side of the body
Temporal lobe – seizures, feelings of fear or déjà vu, strange smells or blackouts, speech difficulties, memory problems
Occipital lobe – loss of vision to one eye which may not be noticeable at first and can sometimes be discovered during routine eye tests
Cerebellum – lack of coordination, slurred speech (dysarthria), unsteadiness, flickering involuntary movement of the eyes (nystagmus), vomiting, neck stiffness
Brain stem – unsteadiness and an uncoordinated walk, facial weakness, a one-sided smile or drooping eyelids, double vision, speaking and swallowing difficulties, vomiting or headache just after waking (this is rare)
Meninges – headaches sickness and problems with sight and movement
Pituitary gland – irregular periods, infertility, weight gain, lethargy, high blood pressure, diabetes, mood swings, enlarged hands and feet, tunnel vision

If your cancer started in the cranial nerves, you may experience:

Vision problems
Swallowing difficulties
Hearing loss in one or both ears
Facial paralysis, numbness or pain

Spine cancers usually cause symptoms on both sides of the body, such as numbness in both legs. This is different from most brain tumors which often only affect one side of the body. Spine cancers can also cause different symptoms, depending on where in the spinal cord the tumor is found:

Spinal cord tumors in the neck affect the arms and legs, as well as bowel and bladder function
Spinal cord tumors below the neck affect the legs, bowel and bladder

Sometimes these symptoms may be caused by other benign (non-cancerous) conditions. If you have one or more symptoms and are concerned, you should visit your doctor.

Our standard of care starts by offering the latest diagnostic tests and treatments for brain, spine and CNS cancers — including surgery, chemotherapy and advanced radiation therapy such as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Your care team can also give you advice about well-being and nutrition that you can follow throughout the course of your treatment and beyond.

Our multidisciplinary teams are comprised of world-class physicians and expert support staff, who work together to ensure you always receive the best possible care that’s focused on you, not just your cancer.

Brain cancer journey

Find out more about the treatment journey for breast cancer, from diagnosis to survival.

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What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of the cells lining the breast lobules or ducts. These cells grow uncontrollably and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer to affect women in the United States, but it can also affect men. It’s predominantly a disease that occurs among postmenopausal women, with 70% of all cases in women older than 55 years.

Fortunately, early diagnosis and advances in breast cancer treatment have enhanced the chances of survival.

Breast cancer may be broken down into two types: non-invasive and invasive.

Breast cancer journey

Find out more about the treatment journey for breast cancer, from diagnosis to survival.

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Non-invasive

Non-invasive breast cancer is when the abnormal cells haven’t spread from their original location, this is typically in the milk producing glands or ducts. These tumors can’t usually be felt by your doctor and instead are most frequently identified by routine mammography. 90% of women diagnosed with non-invasive disease are ultimately cured. Types of non-invasive breast cancer include:

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – Cancer cells are found within the milk ducts of the breast. This is usually treated with surgery and breast radiation therapy.
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) – Abnormal cells are found within breast lobules, but it’s not cancer. Although LCIS increases the risk of developing cancer, most women with this condition won’t go on to develop breast cancer. This is usually treated with surgery alone.

Invasive

Invasive forms of breast cancer have spread beyond the ducts into other nearby tissue of the breast. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma is an early invasive breast cancer and by far the most common form, accounting for over 90% of all cases. Other types of invasive breast cancer include:

Locally advanced breast cancer, where the cancer has spread to other areas nearby, such as the chest wall (including the skin and muscles of the chest) and lymph nodes. This is usually treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Secondary (metastatic or advanced) breast cancer, where cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver or lungs. Secondary breast cancer is commonly treated with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or hormone therapy.

The causes of breast cancer are not fully understood, however, there are risk factors that can increase the likelihood of you developing it.

The main risk factors are being a woman and aging – most breast cancers occur in women over 50 years old. Other risk factors include:

Genetic mutations and family history – some women inherit BRAC1 and BRAC2 gene mutations which increase your risk. You’re also more likely if there is a family history of breast cancer
Having early period before aged 12 and starting menopause after age 55
Having dense breasts
If you’ve had breast cancer before
Previous radiation therapy treatment to the chest or breasts before you’re 30 years old
If you took the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) or your mother did while pregnant with you – DES is a drug that was given to women in the United States between 1940 and 1971 to prevent miscarriage

There are other lifestyle factors that can also slightly increase your risk. Some of these are things you may be able to change to lower your risk.

Not being physically active
Being overweight or obese after menopause
Taking forms of hormone replacement therapy for more than five years or some birth control pills
Having your first pregnancy before you’re 30 years old, not breastfeeding and never having a full-term pregnancy
Drinking alcohol

Having a risk factor for a disease doesn’t mean that you will definitely get it, but it makes it more likely. You might have many risks factors for breast cancer and never get it.

There are several early warning signs of breast cancer, and these can vary from person to person.

It’s important to remember that other, benign conditions may cause changes to the breasts, and very often these relate to a simple infection or harmless cyst.

The most common breast cancer symptom is a lump or mass.

Other breast cancer symptoms can include:

Changes in the size or shape of your breast
Changes to the color of your skin
Changes to how it feels—such as dimples
Fluid coming from one or both or your nipples
Redness or swelling to your breasts
Changes to the appearance of your nipples such as inversion or retraction – where it is turned inward
Crusting or a rash around your nipple
Persistent pain in your breast or armpit

We offer the latest diagnostic test and treatments for breast cancer as standard, including surgery, chemotherapy, advanced radiation therapy with organ-sparing techniques, such as deep inspiration breath hold. Your care team can also give you advice about wellbeing and nutrition that you can follow throughout the course of your treatment and beyond.

What is bladder cancer?

Bladder cancer develops when the healthy cells that make up the lining of your bladder start to grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. This tumor can either stay in the lining or spread to nearby muscle.

The bladder is part of the urinary tract which is important in passing waste out of your body. Urine passes from the kidneys and down the ureters into the bladder before it is excreted through your urethra.

A lot of bladder cancers may also be called ‘transitional cell carcinomas’ – where the cancer originates in the transitional cells of your bladder. They can also be grouped depending on where in the bladder the tumor is found, the three types are:

Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: the most common type. It only affects the lining of the bladder
Muscle-invasive bladder cancer:when cancer spreads into muscle around the bladder. It’s then more likely to spread to other areas of the body (metastasize)
Advanced bladder cancer: where bladder cancer has already spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body

The causes of bladder cancer are not fully understood, however, there are risk factors that can increase the likelihood of you developing it.

Having a risk factor for a disease doesn’t mean that you will definitely get it, but it makes it more likely. You might have many risks factors for bladder cancer and never get it. You’re more likely to develop the condition if you:

Are a smoker
Are male – men are three times more likely to be diagnosed with bladder cancer than women in the U.S.
Are older – the risk of developing bladder cancer increases with age and it’s most common in people over 70
Have a close relative who has had bladder cancer
Already have a condition – such as Crohn’s disease, human papillomavirus (HPV) or diabetes
Have been exposed to workplace chemicals
Have chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs)

There are several early warning signs of bladder cancer, and these can vary from person to person. Common bladder cancer symptoms include:

Blood in your urine
Pain or burning when you urinate
A sudden need to urinate
Having to urinate more often – including during the night
Feeling a need to urinate but not being able to
Pain on one side of your lower back

Sometimes these symptoms might be caused by something else as they are similar to signs of non-cancerous conditions, such as a urine infection or enlarged prostate. If you have one or more of these bladder cancer symptoms and are concerned, you should see your physician in case they need to run some tests.

We offer the latest diagnostic tests and treatments for bladder cancer as standard, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, brachytherapy and immunotherapies. Your care team can also give you advice about wellbeing and nutrition that you can follow throughout the course of your treatment and beyond.

Bladder cancer journey

Find out more about the treatment journey for bladder cancer, from diagnostics to survivorship

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The cervix is the entrance to the uterus from the vagina. Cervical cancer develops when the cells of the cervix transform and start to grow at an uncontrollable rate. These abnormal cells accumulate to form a tumor.

Most cervical cancer cases are diagnosed in women under the age of 50 through their regular Pap smear. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of all cancers and because it is typically slow growing, it’s easily treated if caught early.

The causes of cervical cancer are unknown, although there are risk factors that can increase the likelihood of you developing it.

Having a risk factor for a disease doesn’t mean that you will definitely get it, but it does make it more likely. You may even have multiple risk factors for cervical cancer and never get it.

The main risk factor for cervical cancer is a virus known as human papillomavirus (HPV). It is passed from person to person during sex. Although there are many types of HPV, only a few cause cervical cancer. You are also more likely to develop cervical cancer if you:

Have had multiple sexual partners
First had sex at age 14 years old or under
Are a smoker
Have HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases
Have a family history of cervical cancer
Have previously had cancer of the vulva, vagina, kidney, or urinary tract
Are on the combined pill (containing synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone)

You can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer by receiving the HPV vaccine before you’re sexually active. You’re also half as likely to get cervical cancer if your partner is circumcised, because the risk of the HPV virus is much lower in circumcised men.

You may find that you have no symptoms in the early stages of cervical cancer. However, cervical cancer symptoms can include:

Irregular bleeding
Bleeding after menopause
Unusually long or heavy menstrual cycles
Pain or discomfort during sex
Bleeding after sex
Discharge from the vagina that smells unpleasant
Pain in your pelvis

After an abnormal pap smear, a biopsy may be performed to help determine a diagnosis. We offer the latest diagnostic tests and treatments for cervical cancers—including surgery, chemotherapy and advanced radiation therapy such as high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy. Your care team can also give you advice about well-being and nutrition that you can follow throughout the course of your treatment and beyond.

We know from our experience that high-quality care means treating you as a person and not just your cancer. Our expert team will treat your disease in the best way possible, while offering as much personal support as you need.

Cervical cancer journey

Find out more about the treatment journey for cervical cancer, from diagnosis to survival.

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Colorectal cancer, sometimes called colon cancer or bowel cancer, is the fourth most common cancer type in the U.S with an estimated 145,000 new cases in 2019. Our teams of expert oncologists continually evaluate the latest colorectal cancer treatments so we can offer the most up-to-date options to every patient without delay.

The colon and rectum are part of your digestive system. The colon is the first four to five feet of the large intestine (also called the large bowel) and the rectum is the last five inches that connects the colon to the anus.

Sometimes small growths of tissue known as polyps can form in the lining of the colon and rectum. These look like small spots and they may become cancerous over time. Colorectal cancer typically grows from these polyps slowly over a period of years.

The causes of colorectal cancer are unknown, although there are some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of you developing it.

Having a risk factor for a disease doesn’t mean that you will definitely get it, but it does make it more likely. You may even have multiple risk factors for colorectal cancer and never get it. However, you are more prone to get colorectal cancer if you:

Are older
Have polyps (growths) on the inner wall of your colon or rectum
Have a family history of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)
Are overweight
Drink or smoke heavily
Have a family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
Have an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
Regularly eat red or processed meats
Have a diet which is high in fat and low in fiber
Have a medical condition, such diabetes or gallstones

While you may have no symptoms in the early stages of colorectal cancer, as it grows you may experience different symptoms depending on your cancer’s size and location in the intestine. Colorectal cancer symptoms can include:

Changes to your usual bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting
Feeling as if you haven’t emptied your bowel after a bowel movement
Light or dark blood in your stool
Loss of appetite or weight loss
Pain during bowel movements
Stomach pains

Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have colorectal cancer, but it’s best to ask your doctor for advice. The sooner your cancer is detected, the better the chances are of it being successfully treated.

Our standard of care starts by offering the latest diagnostic tests and treatments for colorectal cancers — including surgery, chemotherapy radiation therapy and targeted therapies. Your care team can also give you advice about well-being and nutrition that you can follow throughout the course of your treatment and beyond.

Colorectal cancer journey

Find out more about the treatment journey for colorectal cancer, from diagnosis to survival.

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Esophageal cancer is relatively rare in the U.S., accounting for only 1% of all cancers diagnosed. It’s three times more common in men and mostly affects individuals over the age of 65. Our teams of specialist oncologists continually evaluate the latest esophageal cancer treatments so we can offer the most up-to-date options to every patient without delay.

The esophagus is part of the digestive system and carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It is 10 to 13 inches long, and less than an inch wide at its smallest point.

Esophageal cancer develops when cells in the esophagus become abnormal and grow at an uncontrollable rate. These cancerous cells can accumulate into a tumor and this may occur in any part of the esophagus (upper, middle or lower).

Esophageal cancer may be broken down into two types, depending on the cells in which the cancer originated. These are:

Esophageal adenocarcinoma– the cancer starts in the mucus glands of the esophagus. This usually develops in the lower part of the esophagus, at the junction with the stomach
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma– the cancer starts in the cells that make up the inner lining of the esophagus. This often occurs in the upper and middle part of the esophagus

The causes of esophageal cancer are unknown, however, there are some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of you developing it.

Having a risk factor for a disease doesn’t mean that you will definitely get it, but it does make it more likely. You might have many risks factors for esophageal cancer and never get it. You are more prone to develop esophageal cancer if you:

Are male
Are older
Are overweight or obese
Drink excessive amounts of alcohol
Smoke
Have precancerous changes in your esophageal cells, such as a condition called Barrett’s esophagus
Have acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Have a diet which is high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables

The first signs of esophageal cancer can be difficult to spot. You may experience:

Feeling tired or shortness of breath
Indigestion or heart burn that doesn’t go away
Nausea or vomiting which is related to eating
Pain or difficulty when swallowing
Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss

Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have esophageal cancer but it’s best to ask your primary care physician for advice. The sooner your cancer is detected, the better the chances are of it being successfully treated.

We offer the latest diagnostic tests and treatments for esophageal cancers as standard, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapies. Your care team can also give you advice about well-being and nutrition that you can follow throughout the course of your treatment and beyond.

Esophageal cancer journey

Find out more about the treatment journey for esophageal cancer, from diagnosis to survival.

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Head and neck cancers are a broad category of cancers that are found in the head and neck region. They’re named after the location where the cancerous cells originate, and they usually begin in skin cells called squamous cells that line moist, mucus-producing surfaces.

Head and neck cancers can be found in the:

Mouth—including the roof, tongue, gums, and lips
Throat
Voice box (larynx)
Nose and nasal cavity
Salivary glands
Sinuses (the spaces in between the bones of your face)
Middle ear

Head and neck cancers are relatively uncommon in the U.S., accounting for about 4% of all cancer cases. Around 65,000 people develop head and neck cancer in the U.S. each year. If detected at an early stage, head and neck cancers are often treatable.

The causes of head and neck cancer are unknown, although there are some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of you developing each type.

Having a risk factor for a disease doesn’t mean that you will definitely get it, but it does make it more likely. You may even have many risk factors for head and neck cancer and never get it.

The main risk factors for most head and neck cancers are drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and through smoking — such as cigarettes, pipes, or even second-hand exposure.

You’re also more likely to develop some head and neck cancers if you:

Are male
Are older
Have an infection, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Have a family history of head and neck cancers
Are overweight or obese
Eat a diet that is high in salt-cured meats, or low in fruits and vegetables
Have been exposed to dust or workplace chemicals

The signs of head and neck cancer vary depending on where your cancer is. In some instances, the first symptoms may be difficult to spot. You may experience:

Lumps or swelling
Pain
Fatigue and weakness
Sore throat
Unexplained weight loss
Breathing difficulties or breathlessness
Headaches or double vision
A change in your voice or difficulty speaking
Eating difficulties, such as finding it hard to open your mouth or swallow
Changes to your ears, such as constant ringing (tinnitus), fluid, earache, or loss of hearing
Changes to your nose, including a reduced sense of smell, nosebleeds, or discharge from the nose

These head and neck cancer symptoms may be caused by other, non-cancerous conditions, but it’s best to speak to your primary care physician for advice if you have any concerns. The sooner your cancer is detected, the better the chance of it being successfully treated.

Our standard of care starts by offering the latest diagnostic tests and treatments for head and neck cancers – including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapies. Your care team can also give you advice about well-being and nutrition that you can follow throughout the course of your treatment and beyond.

Head and neck cancer journey

Find out more about the treatment journey for head and neck cancer, from diagnosis to survival.

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Kidney cancer occurs when cells in the kidney start to grow uncontrollably. These abnormal cells accumulate into a mass, known as a tumor.

The kidneys are a pair of organs that are essential to your urinary system. Their job is to filter waste products and extra water from the blood while producing urine.

Most people have two kidneys, and usually, kidney cancer only affects one of them. The most common type of kidney cancer in adults is renal cell carcinoma (RCC). It starts in the small tubes of the kidneys. There are three main types of RCC, these are:

Clear cell, which is the most common
Chromophobe
Papillary

In the U.S., kidney cancer is the sixth most common cancer type in men and the eighth in women, however, it rarely occurs in people under the age of 55. Children are more likely to develop a kind of kidney cancer called Wilms’ tumor.

If it’s diagnosed early enough, and it hasn’t spread, kidney cancer is often treatable.

The causes of kidney cancer are unknown, although there are some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of you developing it.

Having a risk factor for a disease doesn’t mean that you will definitely get it, but it does make it more likely. You may even have multiple risk factors for kidney cancer and never get it.

However, you’re more likely to develop kidney cancers if you:

Are very overweight or obese
Are older
Smoke
Have a close family member who has had kidney cancer
Have had dialysis for kidney disease
Have previously had radiation therapy for testicular cancer
Have high blood pressure
Have an inherited condition, such as Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome
Have a medical condition, such as chronic kidney disease or sickle cell disease (SCD)

Some signs of kidney cancer are more obvious than others, these include:

Blood in your urine (hematuria)
A lump in your kidney area, found in the middle part of your back

Other kidney cancer symptoms include:

Pain in the side of your lower back or abdomen
Fatigue
High blood pressure (hypertension)
High temperature and sweating
Swelling in your ankle or leg (edema)
Sudden, unexplained weight loss
Swollen neck glands

Having one or more of these kidney cancer symptoms doesn’t mean you have cancer, as they may be caused by other, non-cancerous conditions. It’s best to speak to your primary care physician for advice if you have any concerns. The sooner your cancer is detected, the better the chances are of it being successfully treated.

We offer the latest diagnostic tests and treatments for kidney cancers as standard, including surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapies and targeted therapies. Your care team can also give you advice about well-being and nutrition that you can follow throughout the course of your treatment and beyond.

Kidney cancer journey

Find out more about the treatment journey for kidney cancer, from diagnosis to survival.

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Your liver is a large organ which filters your blood. It also makes important proteins, metabolizes fats, and stores carbohydrates which the body uses for energy.

Cancer occurs when the cells in the body start to grow uncontrollably. These abnormal cells accumulate to form a tumor. Liver cancer can be categorized into two types, primary and secondary.

Primary liver cancer – This is when the cancerous cells originate in the liver. The most common type of primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma. More rare types of liver cancer include intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma.
Secondary liver cancer – Cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the liver from another part of the body is called secondary liver cancer. This means it’s an advanced cancer. Secondary liver cancer is much more common than primary liver cancer, and is named after the area of the body that the cancerous cells originated from.

In the U.S., primary liver cancer affects about 40,000 people each year, with this number increasing annually. Men are also around three times more likely to get primary liver cancer than women.

The causes of liver cancer are unknown, although there are some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of you developing it.

Having a risk factor for a disease doesn’t mean that you will definitely get it, but it does make it more likely. You may even have multiple risk factors for liver cancer and never get it.

However, many liver cancer cases are related to chronic viral infections, particularly hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV).

You’re also more likely to develop liver cancers if you:

Are male
Are older
Drink excessive amounts of alcohol
Have a type of scarring of the liver called cirrhosis, which can be caused by hepatitis or alcohol abuse
Are obese
Are diabetic
Have an inherited liver condition, such as hemochromatosis or Wilson’s disease
Eat foods that have been affected by aflatoxins (molds that grow on crops when they’re not stored properly)

Most people don’t have any liver cancer symptoms during its early stages. As the cancer grows, you may experience:

Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Pains in your upper abdomen
Lump in your liver area, which is on your right side below the rib cage
Nausea and vomiting
Weakness and fatigue
Swelling in your abdomen
Jaundice, characterized by the yellow discoloration of your skin and the whites of your eyes
White, chalky stools

Having one or more of these liver cancer symptoms doesn’t mean you have cancer, as they may be caused by other conditions. It’s best to speak to your primary care physician if you have any concerns. The sooner your cancer is detected, the better the chances are of it being successfully treated.

Our standard of care starts by offering the latest diagnostic tests and treatments for liver cancer — including chemotherapy, targeted therapies and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Our latest-generation systems deliver highly targeted radiation, for effective tumor treatments with fewer side effects.

At GenesisCare, we understand what it takes to achieve the best possible life outcomes, so we go even further by providing the personal support you need. After all, we’re treating you — not just your cancer.

Liver cancer journey

Find out more about the treatment journey for liver cancer, from diagnosis to survival.

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Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the U.S., with over 200,000 new cases each year. Our teams of expert oncologists and pulmonologists continually evaluate the latest lung cancer treatments so we can offer the most up-to-date options to every patient without delay.

The lungs are the main organs for breathing and are part of the respiratory system that includes the nose, mouth, windpipe and airways to each lung. Lung cancer develops when cells in the body start to grow uncontrollably and accumulate to form a cancerous tumor in the tissue of one or both of the lungs.

Lung cancer can be categorized into two types, primary and secondary.

Primary lung cancer

This is when the cancerous cells originate in the lung. Primary lung cancer can be further split into two groups:

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
This is the most common type of primary lung cancer – about 9 out of 10 cases.

Types of non-small cell lung cancer include:

Adenocarcinoma – starts in the mucus and affects the smaller airways
Squamous cell carcinoma – mainly affects the cells that line the tubes into the lungs. It tends to grow in the center of the lung and is usually caused by smoking
Large cell carcinoma or undifferentiated carcinoma – cancer affecting large round cells

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
This is much less common and it mainly affects smokers.

SCLC tends to start in the middle of the lungs and usually spreads more quickly than NSCLC. Types of small cell lung cancer include:

Small cell carcinoma
Mixed small cell/large cell carcinoma

Secondary lung cancer

Cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the lung from another part of the body is called secondary lung cancer. This means it’s an advanced cancer.

Less common lung cancers include:

Tracheal cancer – a type of lung cancer which starts in the trachea (windpipe) or one of its two branches (the bronchi) – because of this it is sometimes also called bronchial cancer
Mesothelioma – a rare cancer that affects the covering of the lung, called the pleura. It’s almost always caused by exposure to asbestos
Thoracic cancer – less common lung cancers can form outside the lungs and in the chest area. These are called ‘thoracic cancers’

The majority of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking, either you smoking or being exposed to second-hand smoke. In some instances, lung cancer can develop in people who’ve never smoked or are not exposed to second-hand smoke – the underlying causes here are not clear.

There are a number of known factors that increase your risk of developing lung cancer.

Having a risk factor for a disease doesn’t mean that you will definitely get it, but it makes it more likely. You might have many risks factors for lung cancer and never get it.

You’re more likely to develop lung cancers if you:

Are over 65
Smoke or are exposed to second-hand smoke
Have a personal or family history of lung cancer
Have previously had radiation therapy to your chest
Work with asbestos or other chemicals – such as arsenic, chromium and nickel
Are exposed to radon gas – this is produced by the natural breakdown of substances in soil. Unsafe levels of radon can sometimes accumulate in homes

Most people don’t have any signs of lung cancer when it’s in its early stages. As the cancer grows, you may experience:

A persistent cough that is progressively worse
Coughing up blood
Hoarse voice
Regular or persistent chest infections
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Breathing or swallowing difficulties
Fatigue
Weight loss

Having one or more lung cancer symptoms doesn’t mean you have cancer, as they may be caused by other conditions. It’s best to speak to your primary care physician if you have any concerns. The sooner your cancer is detected, the better the chance of it being successfully treated.

We offer the latest diagnostic tests and treatments for lung cancer as standard, including advanced radiation therapies such as high-dose rate brachytherapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Our latest-generation systems deliver highly targeted radiation, for effective tumor treatments with fewer side effects.

At GenesisCare, we understand what it takes to achieve the best possible life outcomes and go a little further to provide it. After all, we’re treating you — not just your cancer.

Lung cancer journey

Find out more about the treatment journey for lung cancer, from diagnosis to survival.

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Multiple myeloma, or plasma cell myeloma, is a blood cancer that begins in the plasma cells of the bone marrow – where blood cells are made. It can start in more than one place in your body, including the spine, pelvis, ribs and skull.

Healthy plasma cells produce different antibodies that help your body fight various infections. If you have myeloma, the abnormal cells create an abnormal variety of antibodies that don’t work correctly. These are sometimes called a paraprotein or monoclonal antibody which multiply in an uncontrolled way.

The abnormal antibodies fill up your bone marrow and affect the normal production of other cells in the blood. This can lead to problems that may include anemia and a weakened immune system. Too many plasma cells can also damage your bones – causing them to be painful, thinner, and break more easily.

The cause of most myelomas is not known, although there are some factors that increase your risk of developing it.

Having a risk factor for a disease doesn’t mean that you will definitely get it, but it does make it more likely. You may even have a variety of risk factors for multiple myeloma and never get it.

However, you’re more likely to develop multiple myeloma if you:

Are a black person (black people are affected twice as often as white or Asian people)
Are over 75 years old
Are overweight or obese
Have a family history of myeloma or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
Have a weakened immune system, which may be due to receiving medication following a transplant or having a condition such as HIV
Have an autoimmune condition such as lupus
Have previously received to radiation therapy
Have certain genetic conditions such as Gaucher disease

Not everybody has symptoms in the early stages of multiple myeloma. The cancer grows slowly, so it may take several years before you notice any warning signs. As it develops, you may experience:

Bone pain in your ribs or lower back
Breathlessness
Changes in your bowel habits
Fatigue
Feeling very thirsty or sick
Fever and repeated infections
Kidney problems
Loss of appetite
Swelling in your ankles
Unusual bruising of the skin and bleeding

Having one or more of these multiple myeloma symptoms doesn’t mean you have cancer, as they may be caused by other conditions. It’s best to speak to your primary care physician if you have any concerns. The sooner your cancer is detected, the better the chances are of it being successfully treated.

Our standard of care starts by offering the latest diagnostic tests and treatments for multiple myeloma — including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and radiation therapy. As part of a successful global company, we have access to world-class expertise and invest in the latest technology and treatments that have been proven to make a difference.

Multiple myeloma journey

Find out more about the treatment journey for multiple myeloma, from diagnostics to survivorship

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The two ovaries are part of the female reproductive system. They produce the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone which control your menstrual cycle, and an egg each month during your fertile years.

Ovarian cancer develops when cells in the ovary grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way. They accumulate to form a tumor which – if not treated – can spread to other areas of the body. At an early stage, ovarian cancer can be difficult to diagnose.

The type of ovarian cancer you have depends on the kind of cell your cancer started in. The three main types of ovarian cancer are:

Epithelial tumors – these begin in the epithelial cells that cover the ovaries. Around 90% of all ovarian cancers are epithelial tumors
Stromal tumors – this is a less common type of ovarian cancer which starts in the cells that produce hormones. These tumors are generally diagnosed quicker than other types of ovarian cancers, and they make up about 7% of ovarian cancer cases
Germ cell tumors – these begin in the egg-producing cells of the ovaries. Germ cell tumors are a rare kind of ovarian cancer and most often occur in younger women

We don’t know what causes ovarian cancer. However, there are some factors that increase your risk of developing it.

Having a risk factor for a disease doesn’t mean that you will definitely get it, but it makes it more likely. You might have many risks factors for ovarian cancer and never get it. You’re more likely to develop ovarian cancer if you:

Are over 60 years old
Have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer
Have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
Have previously had breast cancer
Have received hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or tamoxifen (breast cancer therapy)
Have endometriosis
Are overweight

You may be less at risk if you:

Are taking the contraceptive pill
Have had children
Breastfed your children

It can be difficult to recognize the signs of ovarian cancer, it may go undetected until it has spread to your pelvis or abdomen. As it develops you may experience:

A bloated feeling or swollen abdomen
Feeling very full when eating
Urinating more frequently
Fatigue
Pain or discomfort in your pelvis or abdomen
Unexplained weight loss

Having one or more of these ovarian cancer symptoms doesn’t mean you’ll have the condition, as these changes can be caused by other illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome. It’s best to speak to your primary care physician if you have any concerns. The sooner ovarian cancer is detected, the better the chance of it being successfully treated.

We offer the latest ovarian cancer diagnostic tests and treatments for as standard, including surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and hormone therapies. As part of a successful global company, we have access to world-class expertise and invest in the latest technology and treatments that have been proven to make a difference.

At GenesisCare, we understand what it takes to achieve the best possible life outcomes and go a little further to provide it. After all, we’re treating you — not just your cancer.

Ovarian cancer journey

Find out more about the treatment journey for ovarian cancer, from diagnostics to survivorship

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The pancreas is a thin, lumpy organ that lies between the stomach and spine in your upper abdomen. It’s about six inches long and is joined by the pancreatic duct to the first part of the small bowel.

The pancreas has two main functions in the digestive system:

It makes hormones, including insulin to control the amount of sugar in the blood
It produces enzymes, which help break down food so the body can digest it

Cancer of the pancreas begins in the cells that line the pancreatic duct and can spread into the rest of the pancreas before moving into surrounding blood vessels and nerves. Most pancreatic cancers start in the exocrine cells that produce the digestive enzymes. Cancers from the endocrine, hormone-producing cells are less common.

In some cases, pancreatic cancer can spread to other parts of the body through your blood and lymphatic systems. Your tumor may also grow and obstruct the bile duct, which can cause jaundice.

We don’t know what causes cancer of the pancreas, however, there are some factors that increase your risk of developing it.

Having a risk factor for a disease doesn’t mean that you will definitely get it, but it makes it more likely. You might have many risks factors for pancreatic cancer and never get it. You’re more likely to develop pancreatic cancer if you:

Are older – most people who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are over 65
Are very overweight
Eat processed meat
Smoke – one in three cases are linked to cigarettes, cigars or chewing tobacco
Drink a lot of alcohol (which can lead to chronic pancreatitis)
Have or have previously had certain medical conditions – such as chronic pancreatitis, stomach ulcers, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, and diabetes
Have an inherited disease – including Lynch or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Have two or more relatives who have previously had pancreatic cancer

Diagnosing pancreatic cancer can be difficult as many symptoms don’t appear until quite late. The earliest symptoms pancreatic cancer may include:

Back pain
Jaundice – this is characterized by the yellow discoloration of your skin and the whites of your eyes
Stomach pains
Unexplained weight loss
Extreme tiredness

You may also experience:

Blood clots
Changes in your regular bowel movements – such as constipation or diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting
High temperature or a fever
Indigestion

Having one or more of these pancreatic cancer symptoms doesn’t mean you have the condition, as these changes can be caused by other illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome. It’s best to speak to your primary care physician if you have any concerns. The sooner pancreatic cancer is detected, the better the chance of it being successfully treated.

We offer the latest diagnostic tests and treatments for cancer of the pancreas as standard, including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapies and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Our latest-generation systems deliver highly targeted radiation, for effective tumor treatments with fewer side effects.

At GenesisCare, we understand what it takes to achieve the best possible life outcomes and go a little further to provide it. After all, we’re treating you — not just your cancer.

Pancreatic cancer journey

Find out more about the treatment journey for pancreatic cancer, from diagnosis to survival.

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Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in the U.S., but early diagnosis and treatment can mean a positive outcome for many. Our teams of expert oncologists continually evaluate the latest prostate cancer treatments so we can offer the most up-to-date options to every patient without delay.

Only men have a prostate gland. It’s located underneath the bladder, around the urethra, and is about the shape and size of a walnut. It makes prostate fluid, one of the components of semen, and a protein called prostate specific antigen (PSA).

Prostate cancer happens when abnormal cells in the prostate multiply, causing a tumor. These cancerous cells can grow throughout the prostate and through the capsule surrounding the prostate. They can spread to other areas including bone and lymph nodes. This is known as secondary prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer can grow slowly and with no symptoms, so it can be difficult to detect. Most men without symptoms (low-grade prostate cancer) can live for many years without it spreading and becoming life-threatening, however, as you live longer, the cancer is more likely to cause more problems.

If prostate cancer is found before it has spread, it’s easier to treat. You may be offered a combination of therapies including surgery, radiation therapy and hormone therapy.

The exact cause of prostate cancer isn’t known, although there are some factors that increase your risk of developing it.

Having a risk factor for a disease doesn’t mean that you will definitely get it, but it does make it more likely. You may even have multiple risk factors for prostate cancer and never get it.

However, you’re more likely to develop prostate cancer if you:

Are older – prostate cancer is rare before the age of 40, but increases after age 50
Are black – black men carry a greater risk of prostate cancer
Have a strong family history of prostate cancer
Have specific genetic conditions which are also associated with breast cancer and ovarian cancer in women (BRCA mutations)
Are obese

Prostate cancer does not always cause symptoms. Some men may experience:

Difficulty urinating – such as slow starting, a reduced flow, needing to urinate more frequently or urgently and with some pain
Hematuria (blood in your urine)
Blood in your semen
Lower back pain
Pain in your testicles
Unexplained weight loss

Having these prostate cancer symptoms does not mean you have cancer, some of these changes in older men can often be a sign of an enlarged prostate which is not a serious condition. You should always seek medical advice if you have any concerns or display one or more of these symptoms. Diagnosing prostate cancer before it has spread will increase the likelihood of it being successfully treated.

Your primary care physician can check for prostate cancer using a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, digital rectal exam (DRE) and biopsy. Early detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer is critical, as it can be more easily treated before it has spread elsewhere in the body.

We offer the latest diagnostic tests and treatments for prostate cancer as standard, including surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and advanced radiation therapy such as volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Our latest-generation systems deliver highly targeted radiation, for effective tumor treatments with fewer side effects.

Prostate cancer journey

Find out more about the treatment journey for prostate cancer, from diagnosis to survival.

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Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer type in the U.S. Roughly 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer before the age of 70.¹ It is the growth of abnormal cells at an uncontrolled rate in the epidermis, or the outer skin layer.

The leading cause of skin cancer is UV radiation, either from sunlight or tanning beds.

There are several known factors for skin cancer. Having a risk factor for a disease doesn’t mean that you will develop it, but it makes it more likely.

You’re more likely to develop skin cancer if you:

Are older
Have a family history or personal history of skin cancer
Have a rare type of birthmark – known as giant congenital melanocytic naevus
Spend lots of time in the sun
Have fair skin which burns easily
Have blonder or red hair, or blue or green eyes
Have reduced immunity or HIV
Have moles – the more moles you have, the higher the risk
Have another medical condition – such as Chron’s disease, ulcerative colitis or sarcoidosis
Have received an organ transplant

There are two main types of skin cancer, and they’re categorized according to the cell the cancer starts from: melanoma and non-melanoma cancers.

What are non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC)?

NMSC develop among cells in the upper layers of the skin. They can occur anywhere on the skin, though they’re most commonly found on parts of the body that have experienced long-term sun exposure – like the head, face, neck, arms, legs, and back of the hands. While ultraviolet radiation (UVR) through tanning and inadequate sun protection are the largest risk factors of developing NMSC, those at higher risk also typically have fair skin, a history of ionizing radiation (x-rays, gamma rays), a suppressed immune system or a history of skin cancer.

The two most common types of NMSC are:

Basal cell carcinomas (BCC) – Basal cell carcinoma begins in the basal cells of the skin, which are found at the bottom of the epidermis skin layer. BCCs typically remain in one place, but they can sometimes metastasize, or spread, to other nearby areas. In rare instances, they can spread to lymph nodes or other sites in the body. BCCs are the most common type of NMSC.
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) – Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the squamous cells, which make up the middle and outer layers of the skin. Although they’re not usually life-threatening, some high-risk SCCs have the potential to metastasize to lymph nodes or distant sites in the body. Treatment may be less successful if other parts of the body have been affected.

NSMC symptoms include:

A pink or red spot that doesn’t heal
A scaly area of skin that doesn’t heal
Smooth lumps with a pearly appearance
Red or dark colored spots or sores that don’t go away after one month
Red or dark colored spots or sores that are painful, itchy or bleeding
Broken skin which doesn’t improve within one month
Red patches on your skin

Having one or more of these skin cancer symptoms doesn’t mean you have cancer, as they may be caused by other, benign (non-cancerous) conditions. It’s best to speak to your primary care physician for advice if you have any concerns.

Non-melanoma skin cancer journey

Learn more about diagnostic and treatment options for NMSC.

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Treating locally advanced non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and surrounding pre-cancerous skin

Skinviva™ is a GenesisCare branded program for the simultaneous management of locally advanced NMSC and surrounding pre-cancerous skin (often associated with extensive sun damage) utilizing modern radiation techniques.

The radiation therapy devices used for Skinviva can target diseased tissue more precisely than ever before. Our team creates personalized treatment plans for each patient to deliver the radiation dose where it is needed to avoid harming healthy cells and minimize side effects.
The technologies we use are also able to rapidly treat irregularly shaped surfaces, such as the scalp or extremities, as well as larger complex areas of skin.

Skinviva may be a good option for you if:

You have newly diagnosed, persistent or recurrent NMSC on irregularly shaped body regions, with surrounding precancerous skin changes.
Your NMSC is in an area not conducive to surgery, or where surgery might produce unsatisfactory functional or cosmetic results.

Speak with your healthcare provider about your situation and if you should consider consulting with a radiation oncologist about the Skinviva program.

Skinviva treatment journey

Learn more about Skinviva and radiation treatment options for NMSC.

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What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes, which are cells that produce melanin and gives your skin color (or pigment). Melanin also plays an important role in protecting you from ultraviolet radiation and sunburn.

Melanoma is linked to sun exposure, but it can also affect areas of the body that aren’t often exposed to sun. In rare cases, it affects the skin that lines the nose, mouth and genitals. Those at highest risk have unprotected and excessive exposure to sun and ultraviolet radiation (UVR), a suppressed immune system, are fair skinned, have many moles or a skin cancer history. Additionally, melanoma can be caused by a genetic predisposition.

When melanoma cancer cells grow, a mark typically resembling a mole appears on the skin, usually brown or black in color. Melanoma can metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, bone, lung, liver, and brain.

The most common type of melanoma is superficial spreading melanoma, which starts by spreading across the top layer of the skin. Over time, it begins to grow deeper into the skin. Other types include, nodular, lentigo maligna, acral lentiginous, and amelanotic melanoma.

When caught early, melanoma can be easier to treat, and patients may have better outcomes.

The first sign of melanoma cancer is often a new spot on the skin, or change in size, shape or color of an existing mole. You may find that the spot is also bleeding, painful, inflamed or itchy.

A good way to remember the warning signs for melanoma is the A-B-C-D-E method:

A is for asymmetrical – is the mole or spot irregularly shaped?
B is for border – is the border jagged?
C is for color – is the color uneven?
D is for diameter – is it larger than the size of a pea?
E is for evolving – has it changed during the past few weeks?

Melanoma skin cancer Journey

Learn more about diagnostic and treatment options for melanoma.

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Treatment options for skin cancer

At GenesisCare, we offer the latest diagnostic tests and treatments for skin cancers, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and advanced radiation therapies. Your care team can also give you advice about wellbeing and nutrition that you can follow throughout the course of your treatment and beyond.

References

Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics. Available at: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/ [Accessed 01/17/2022]

In the U.S., stomach cancer is more common in men than women and about two thirds of people diagnosed are 65 or older.

Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, typically begins in the cells that line the stomach wall or inside the stomach itself. The cells acquire abnormal changes and start to grow uncontrollably to form a tumor. This process tends to be quite slow. Stomach cancers rarely cause symptoms in the early stages and can go undetected for several years. As the tumor grows, it may start to spread to nearby organs, such as the liver and pancreas.

The most common type of stomach cancer is an adenocarcinoma, this is when the tumor originates from the cells lining the stomach that produce mucus and stomach acid. Other stomach cancers include lymphomas (in the stomach wall) and leiomyosarcomas (in smooth muscle of the stomach). Stomach cancers can also be named according to their location, for example, if the tumor is located at the place where the top of the stomach meets the bottom of the esophagus, you may hear it be described as gastroesophageal junction cancer.

The causes of stomach cancer are unknown, however, there are some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of you developing it.

Having a risk factor for a disease doesn’t mean that you will definitely get it, but it makes it more likely. You might have many risks factors for stomach cancer and never get it.

You’re more likely to develop stomach cancers if you:

Are male
Are older
Are overweight or obese
Have a history of gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD)
Eat a lot of processed meat
Smoke
Have been infected with a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
Have a diet that is high in salt or low in fruit and vegetables
Have been exposed to certain workplace certain chemicals – for example if you work in the rubber production industry or with asbestos
Have a family history of stomach cancer

Cancer of the stomach is often detected late as the signs may not be obvious. More advanced stomach cancer symptoms may include:

Acidity and heartburn
Anemia – caused by bleeding in the stomach
Feeling bloated eating
Indigestion
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach pains or swelling
Swallowing difficulties
Trapped wind

Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have cancer, as they may be caused by other conditions. It’s best to speak to your primary care physician for advice if you have any concerns. The sooner your cancer is detected, the better the chance of treating it successfully.

We offer the latest diagnostic tests and treatments including stomach cancer surgery, chemotherapy radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. Your care team can also give you advice about wellbeing and nutrition that you can follow throughout the course of your treatment and beyond.

Stomach cancer journey

Find out more about the treatment journey for stomach cancer, from diagnostics to survivorship

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Testicular cancer is rare compared to other cancer types, however, it is the most common cancer in American males between the ages of 15 and 35. Unlike prostate cancer, testicular cancer is uncommon in older men.

Testicular cancer occurs well the cells in the testicles (testes) start to grow uncontrollably and accumulate into a mass known as a tumor. More than 90% of testicular cancers originate in the germ cells, which produce sperm. The two main types of germ cell tumors in the testicle are seminomas and non-seminomas, and there are further subtypes to each of these. Despite the numerous different kinds of testicular cancer, all men who develop testicular cancer are born with an abnormality on their 12th chromosome.

When detected early, testicular cancer is easily curable. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the testicle, but you may also need chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

We’re not sure exactly what causes testicular cancer, however, there are some known factors that increase your risk of developing the condition.

Having a risk factor for a disease doesn’t mean that you will definitely get it, but it makes it more likely. You might have many risks factors for testicular cancer and never get it.

Testicular cancer is more common in men with undescended testicles – a condition known as cryptorchidism. Usually, babies are born with their testicles already in the scrotum but for some, the testicles can remain in the abdomen. This is a common childhood condition and the testicles often descend naturally into the scrotum during his first year. In some cases, the testicles may not descend at all and will remain in the abdomen unless treated. Men with undescended testicles have a much higher chance of having testicular cancer than those whose testicles descended at birth or soon afterwards.

You’re also more likely to develop testicular cancer if you:

Are white
Have a family history of testicular cancer or undescended testicles
Have previously had testicular cancer

The first sign of testicular cancer is often a lump or swelling in one of your testicles. Other symptoms may include:

Changes in the shape or texture of your testicles
Pain in your back, groin or lower abdomen
Pain, aching or feeling of heaviness in your scrotum
Tenderness or swelling in the breast or nipple – caused by hormonal changes

Having one or more of these testicular cancer symptoms doesn’t mean you have cancer, as they may be caused by other, benign (non-cancerous) conditions. It’s best to speak to your primary care physician for advice if you have any concerns. The sooner your cancer is detected, the better the chance of it being successfully treated.

We offer the latest diagnostic tests and treatments for testicular cancers as standard, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Your care team can also give you advice about wellbeing and nutrition that you can follow throughout the course of your treatment and beyond.

Testicular cancer journey

Find out more about the treatment journey for testicular cancer, from diagnostics to survivorship

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Conditions

Cancers we treat

The main approaches to cancer care are:

Brain and spinal cord cancers

Causes of brain and spinal cord cancers

Risk factors

Symptoms

Brain and spinal cord cancer diagnosis and treatments

Brain cancer journey

Breast cancer

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer journey

Causes of breast cancer

Risk factors

What are the symptoms of breast cancer

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatments

Bladder cancer

What is bladder cancer?

Causes of bladder cancer

Risk factors

Bladder cancer symptoms

Bladder cancer diagnosis and treatments

Bladder cancer journey

Cervical cancer

Causes of cervical cancer

Risk factors

Cervical cancer symptoms

Cervical cancer diagnosis and treatments

Cervical cancer journey

Colorectal cancer

Causes of colorectal cancer

Risk factors

Colorectal cancer symptoms

Colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatments

Colorectal cancer journey

Esophageal cancer

Causes of esophageal cancer

Risk factors

Esophageal cancer symptoms

Esophageal cancer diagnosis and treatments

Head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancers can be found in the:

Causes of head and neck cancer

Risk factors

Head and neck cancer symptoms

Head and neck cancer diagnosis and treatments

Head and neck cancer journey

Kidney cancer

Causes of kidney cancer

Risk factors

Kidney cancer symptoms

Kidney cancer diagnosis and treatments

Kidney cancer journey

Liver cancer

What causes liver cancer?

Risk factors

What are the warning signs of liver cancer?

Liver cancer diagnosis and treatments

Liver cancer journey

Lung cancer

What is the main cause of lung cancer?

Risk factors

Lung cancer symptoms

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatments

Lung cancer journey

Multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma causes

Risk factors

Multiple myeloma symptoms

Multiple myeloma diagnosis and treatments

Multiple myeloma journey

Ovarian cancer

The type of ovarian cancer you have depends on the kind of cell your cancer started in. The three main types of ovarian cancer are:

Ovarian cancer causes

Risk factors

Ovarian cancer symptoms

Ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatments

Ovarian cancer journey