More than one in four people will have cancer during their lifetime, and after heart disease cancer is now the most common cause of death in western countries. The incidence and types of cancer varies between and also within different countries. In particular the age distribution of the population will influence the incidence of different types of cancer. Other cancers such as bone tumours, Hodgkin's disease, and cervical cancer are more common in younger adults. Leukaemia is found in people of all ages and is one of the most common type of cancers in adults aged under 35.
Cancers can arise in different parts of the body.
Lymphomas are classified as either Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Associated with the urinary system are bladder and kidney cancers. Skin cancers include melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. Head and neck cancers include those of the oral and nasal cavities. Some cancers are particular to men and women.