Five main types of cancer classified according to the type of cell they start from. 

Carcinoma

• A cancer that arises from cell that lines the surfaces of your body
• May invade the surrounding tissues and organs and metastasise to the lymph nodes and other areas of the body
• Common forms of cancer in this group are breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer

Sarcoma

• A type of malignant tumour of the bone or soft tissue (fat, muscle, blood vessels, nerves and other connective tissues that support and surround organs)
• Common forms of sarcoma are leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma and osteosarcoma

Lymphoma and Myeloma

• Both are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system.
• Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system
• Myeloma (or multiple myeloma) starts in the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies to help fight infection This cancer can affect the cell’s ability to produce antibodies effectively

Leukaemia

• A cancer of the white blood cells and bone marrow.
• Common are lymphocytic leukaemia and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Brain and spinal cord cancers

• Known as central nervous system cancers. Some are benign while others can grow and spread