cancer types

Cancer is a group of diseases, each with its own name, treatment and chances for control or cure. Cancer occurs when abnormal cells begin to multiply and grow uncontrollably, crowding out the normal cells. Although cancer research has made tremendous advances in the last 50 years, scientists still do not fully understand why normal cells mature and cancerous cells do not. The types of cancer most common in children differ from those in adults. Leukemias (cancers of the blood-producing tissues), lymphomas (cancers of the lymphatic system) and brain tumours are the most common types of childhood cancers. Solid tumours, which affect other parts of the body such as arms or legs, are less common in young people. Bone tumours are a type of solid tumour.