Understanding Cancer

A simple introduction to cancer and how it can affect the body.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a condition where cells in the body grow in an uncontrolled way. It can affect any part of your body, including your organs, blood, bone marrow, and immune system. Sometimes cancer spreads from one place to another (metastasis).

Cancer awareness in PNG

Our awareness guide focuses on oral, cervical and breast cancers, with practical prevention advice, changes to get checked and confirmed local cervical prevention information.

Explore Cancer Awareness

Risk Factors

It's not always clear what causes cancer, but certain factors can increase your risk:

Getting older
Family history
Betel nut
Smoking & Alcohol
Overweight
Viruses (HPV, Hep B)
Sun exposure

Reducing Your Risk

You cannot always prevent cancer, but you can take steps to lower your risk.

Learn about stopping betel nut and tobacco use, HPV vaccination, screening and recognising changes early in our PNG-specific guide.

Cancer Awareness