Inside the diagnosis
Understanding cancer starts with knowing what you're facing.
Explore how different cancers affect the body, because awareness drives prevention and prevention saves lives.
Types of cancer
Knowledge saves lives. Recognising cancer across the body
The registry records every type of cancer. Knowing the most common ones and their early signs supports a complete approach to health.
Breast cancer
The most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Found early, through breast awareness, clinical examination and imaging, it is far easier to treat.
Cervical cancer
Caused mainly by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Detected through Pap smears and HPV testing; vaccination and regular screening are the key preventive tools.
Prostate cancer
One of the most common cancers in men, especially after 50. Often slow-growing; a blood test (PSA) and a clinical examination can detect it early.
Liver cancer
Common in West and Central Africa, and often linked to long-term hepatitis B or C infection. Hepatitis B vaccination, testing and treating hepatitis, and avoiding alcohol and mouldy grains or groundnuts (aflatoxins) lower the risk.
Colorectal cancer
Cancer of the colon or rectum. Blood in the stools, a lasting change in bowel habits or unexplained weight loss should be checked; stool tests and colonoscopy can find it early.
Lung cancer
Strongly linked to tobacco smoke, and often diagnosed late. Avoiding tobacco is the best prevention; a cough that will not go away, or coughing up blood, should be checked.
Warning signs of cancer
Many cancers are easier to treat when they are found early. See a health worker if you notice one of these changes and it lasts more than a few weeks:
- A lump or swelling anywhere on the body, including the breast, armpit, neck or testicles.
- A change in a breast: a new lump, dimpling of the skin, or a nipple that turns inward or leaks fluid.
- Unusual bleeding: in urine or stools, when coughing, between periods or after menopause.
- A cough or hoarseness that lasts, or difficulty swallowing.
- A lasting change in bowel or bladder habits.
- A sore that does not heal, or a mole that changes in size, shape or colour.
- Unexplained weight loss, or tiredness that does not go away.
These changes do not always mean cancer, but checking early removes doubt and makes treatment more successful.
Early detection
Finding cancer early
Cancer found early can often be treated successfully. Depending on the cancer, it is found in different ways:
Knowing your body
Noticing changes such as a lump, unusual bleeding or a cough that lasts, and reporting them quickly.
Clinical examination
An examination by a trained health worker during a routine visit, for example of the breasts or the cervix.
Screening tests
Tests that look for cancer before symptoms appear: cervical screening (an HPV test or visual inspection), breast imaging, including AI-assisted ultrasound at IntelliBra screening points, and other tests your health worker may advise.
Biopsy
A small tissue sample examined under the microscope: the only way to confirm a cancer.
This information is general and does not replace advice from a health professional.