Cancer and women as we age

Cancer refers to a group of diseases that affect the body. Cancer is characterised by abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth that can form a mass and can spread to other parts of the body. 

Breast, bowel, melanoma (skin), lung and uterine cancers are the most common form of cancers in women in Australia.

Cancer can become more common in women as we get older, so it’s important to look out for its symptoms. In the following sections we provide information on symptoms associated with the most common cancers in Australia, support services if you have cancer, and advice on adjusting to life after cancer. 

And you can find out more about cancer by heading to Cancer Council Australia’s website, which also has links to state-based services.