Cancer is a group of conditions where the body's cells begin to grow and reproduce in an uncontrollable way. These cells can then invade and destroy healthy tissue, including organs.

Cancer sometimes begins in one part of the body before spreading to other parts. This process is known as metastasis.

How common is cancer?

Cancer is a common condition. More than one in three people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime.

The most common cancers in Ireland are:

• breast cancer
• prostate cancer
• lung cancer
• bowel cancer

Breast screening

The aim of Breast Screening is to reduce deaths from breast cancer by finding and treating the disease at an early stage.

Cancer types

About other cancer types.