Cancer Genetics

Why are some cancers seen in families? Does lightning strike twice?

We are faced with families of patients where cancer might have occurred at a young age, or multiple members are affected by cancer. We are able to provide genetic counselling and arrange testing for hereditary cancers (such as BRCA1, BRCA2, HNPCC related genes, VHL, etc)

Do Children have Cancers?

Children do suffer from cancers but cancers are uncommon during childhood. In the developed countries where statistical data are more complete, cancers affect 120-160 per 1,000,000 children under the age of 15 years every year. Approximately one in every 300-500 people will develop cancers before their 20th birthday.

Prostate & Liver Cancer

Why is prostate cancer important?

In 2003, 235,000 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in the United States. What's more, 41,000 deaths related to prostate cancer are expected in the year 2004. Thus, prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in American men and the second leading cause of deaths from cancer, after lung cancer. Most experts in this field, therefore, recommend that beginning at age 40, all men should undergo yearly screening for prostate cancer.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

In the early stages, prostate cancer often causes no symptoms for many years. As a matter of fact, these cancers frequently are first detected by an abnormality on a blood test (the PSA, discussed below) or as a hard nodule (lump) in the prostate gland. Usually, the doctor first feels the nodule during a routine digital (done with the finger) rectal examination. Read More »

Ear, Nose & Throat Cancer

Cancer of Ear

This information booklet has been written to help you and your family to understand more about cancer of the ear. It has been written and updated by Head and Neck Specialist Oncology doctors and surgeons, specialist nurses and other relevant healthcare professionals as well as patients. Read More »

What is cancer of the ear?

Cancers of the ear are uncommon and most develop in the skin of the outer ear. Cancers can develop in the structures inside the ear but these cancers are very rare. Read More »

Specialty Topics

How does colorectal cancer develop in the body? What happens during colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer develops as a benign or non-cancerous lump in the lining of the colon or rectum. This is called a polyp. There are several types of polyps and the one that commonly leads to cancer is called an adenomatous polyp. Over time, if this polyp is not removed, it undergoes changes to become cancer. The invasive cancer is initially confined in the wall of the colon (often stage I and II) and are curable with surgery. However, if undetected and treated, it spreads to the lymph nodes (stage III) and then to distant organs (stage IV). Cure rates for stage III cancer combining surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy can be as high as 70%. Recent advances in chemotherapy can improve survival, but stage IV disease is usually incurable. Read More »