A diagnosis of cancer is extremely distressing but cure rates continue to improve. This section covers the many issues involved in cancer treatment, risk factors and prevention.

ABNORMAL CERVICAL SMEARS
This article covers the consequences of an abnormal smear, and the following investigations and colposcopy to determine the cause.

BIOPSY
This article explains what the word means and gives a brief outline of some of the common types of biopsy.

BOWEL CANCER
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers, but early detection can save lives. This article looks at the risk factors and treatment for colon cancer.

BRACHYTHERAPY FOR PROSTATE CANCER
This method of treatment involves the insertion of pellets which deliver a radiation dose. This article outlines what is involved.

BRAIN TUMOURS
This article gives a broad outline of the different types of brain tumours, possible symptoms and treatment.

BREAST CANCER
Breast cancer is a serious issue for women. This article looks at risk factors, treatment, and survival rates for breast cancer.

BREAST CANCER - FAMILY HISTORY
A family history of breast cancer can increase a woman's chances of developing the disease. This article looks at the risk factors for having a relation who has had breast cancer.

COLPOSCOPY
Colposcopy is a detailed examination of the cervix following an abnormal smear. This article covers how a colposcopy is performed and in what circumstances it is recommended.

CYSTS
This article outlines what a cyst is and describes some of the common types.

HERCEPTIN
This drug is used to treat advanced breast cancer in women that are HER2 receptor positive. This article profiles the drug and how it works.

HODGKIN'S DISEASE
This is a form of cancer involving the lymph glands. This article outilnes the symptoms, investigations and treatment.

LEUKAEMIA
Survival rates for leukaemia are continually improving thanks to modern therapies. This article looks at the different forms of leukaemia and how the disease is treated.

LUNG CANCER SCREENING
This article looks at the possible role of CT scanning in the early detection of lung cancer.

LUNG CANCER SURGERY
Surgery can cure lung cancer in about half the number of patients who have the operation. This article outlines the best candidates for surgery and how it is performed.

MELANOMA (SKIN CANCER)
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. This article looks at suspicious skin spots and surgery to remove them.

MESOTHELIOMA (ASBESTOS CANCER)
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, mostly caused by exposure to asbestos at work. This article provides a brief overview of the disease.

NON-HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMA
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a common cancer which usually starts in the lymph nodes. This article looks at the different types of lymphomas and how the condition is treated.

NON-MELANOMA SKIN CANCER
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer but other types are also dangerous if left untreated. This article looks at the different forms of skin cancer and how it is treated.

OVARIAN CANCER
This article outlines risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this form of ovarian cancer.

PROSTATE CANCER
About 10 percent of men will get prostate cancer. This article provides an in depth look at the symptoms, treatment and the advantages and disadvantages of screening for the disease.

PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN (PSA) SCREENING
PSA testing is used for the early detection of prostate cancer. This article looks at the results of screening programmes and new advances in testing.

TAMOXIFEN
This drug is used in the treatment of breast cancer and endometrial cancer, but it can have significant side effects. This article profiles these and how the medicine works.

TESTICULAR CANCER
This article outlines the common presentations, and provides an overview on treatment and detection of this relatively common cause of cancer in young men.

UNDERSTANDING CANCER
This article provides a basic overview of what cancer is, and also has contact details of support in New Zealand.

ZYBAN
Zyban (Bupropion Hydrochloride) is a new medication which helps those trying to quit smoking. This article outlines it's use and some precautions.

A-Z of Cancer