Together we will beat cancer Donate Menu Search General cancer information Find out about possible causes of cancer, how cancer starts and grows, tests to diagnose it, and general information about cancer treatments. Go to our cancer type section for information about tests and treatment for a particular type of cancer Home About cancer General cancer information Coronavirus (COVID-19) COVID-19 is an infectious illness caused by a new type of coronavirus. Cancer and its treatment can lower your ability to fight infection. So people with cancer are among those at higher risk of complications from COVID-19. Tests and scans Find out about tests to diagnose cancer and monitor it during and after treatment, including what each test can show, how you have it and how to prepare. Signs and symptoms of cancer Find out about key symptoms to be aware of. Get checked out by your doctor if you notice anything abnormal for you. What is cancer? Cancer happens when cells divide in an uncontrolled way. Find out about different types and how they start and grow. Treatment for cancer Treatments can include surgery, radiotherapy and drug treatments (such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted cancer drugs). Find out about treatments and how to cope with side effects. Screening for cancer Screening means testing for early signs of cancer before people have any symptoms. Find out about screening in the UK. Urgent referral Your GP has arranged for you to see a hospital doctor (specialist) urgently to investigate your symptoms further. Causes of cancer Find out about the possible causes of cancer and about how you can reduce your risk of developing it. Genes and inherited cancer Inherited gene changes can increase the risk of some types of cancer. Find out about gene changes and genetic testing. Last reviewed: 15 Jul 2021 Next review due: 15 Jul 2024 Coronavirus and cancer We know it’s a worrying time for people with cancer, we have information to help. Read our information about coronavirus and cancer About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Find a clinical trial Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK Cancer Chat forum Talk to other people affected by cancer Nurse helpline 0808 800 4040 Questions about cancer? Call freephone 9 to 5 Monday to Friday or email us Speak to a nurse Nurse Helpline 0808 800 4040 Questions about cancer? Call freephone 9 to 5 Monday to Friday or email us Quick links Find local shops Shop online Contact us Jobs Follow us About our information Terms and conditions Privacy Modern Slavery Statement Cookies Accessibility Sitemap Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ. Cookies are small bits of information that we place on your device. We use necessary cookies to make the site work, and others to help us do things like monitor site usage and personalise advertising. Read more about the different cookies we use in our cookies policy. You can continue to the site and accept all cookies. Or you can manage how we use them. › Manage cookies ✓ OK, continue to site