A primary cancer is a cancer with a clear origin point. Having a suspected or confirmed primary site helps your healthcare team understand:
Cancer is not just one disease- it’s a group of many conditions, with more than 200 different types.
Below you’ll find information on some of the most common cancers in Australia, as well as other major primary cancer categories. For each primary cancer type, you will also find trusted resources from leading cancer organisations to support your understanding and guide you to reliable information:
Bladder cancer develops when cells within the lining of the bladder multiply and grow in an abnormal way, forming a tumour.
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There are over 120 different types of blood cancer. This can make finding information confusing and overwhelming.
A good place to start is the Leukaemia Foundation, which provides an outline of the types of blood cancer. The Cancer Council page also provides useful information. From here, you can navigate to helpful resources for your specific diagnosis.
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Cancer Council
Leukaemia
Lymphoma
Myeloma
Bone and Soft tissue cancers are cancers that start in the bone, or in any soft tissue (such as fat, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels).
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Brain and Spine cancers refer to tumours that originate anywhere within the brain or spine. These areas make up the central nervous system, which controls many of the body’s major functions. Symptoms can vary significantly depending on where the tumour is located.
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Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for females in Australia as of 2025, however it can affect people of any gender.
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Bowel cancer refers to cancers that start in the large intestine, which includes the colon and the rectum. Cancers in these areas are often called colorectal cancer. In 2025, colorectal cancer was the 5th most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. Additionally, anal cancer refers to cancer originating from the anal canal (part of the large intestine).
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Gynaecological and reproductive-related cancers include:
Cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, uterine/endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and vulvar cancer.
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Head and Neck Cancers refer to any cancers that originate in the mouth and lips, throat and voice box, nose, sinuses, thyroid, and/or saliva glands.
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The most common type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma. Usually only one kidney is affected, but the cancer may develop in both kidneys in rare cases.
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There are several different types of liver cancer. Hepatoma (hepatocellular carcinoma) is the most common type. Other types include bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma), and angiosarcoma.
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Lung cancer was the 4th most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia in 2025. There are two main types of lung cancer: Non-small cell lung cancer (85% of cases), and small cell lung cancer (15% of cases).
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Melanoma was the 3rd leading cancer in Australia in 2025. Melanoma is one of the three primary types of skin cancer, alongside basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
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Neuroendocrine tumours are tumours that develop in the neuroendocrine system of the body, which is made up of nerves or endocrine (hormone) cells that produce hormones and other chemicals that our body uses to control normal functions. As the neuroendocrine system is spread vastly across the body, these tumours can occur anywhere, however they primarily occur in the small intestine, pancreas, lungs, appendix and rectum.
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Pancreatic cancer is cancer located within the pancreas, which is a small organ located behind the stomach. The pancreas helps with digestion and blood sugar control. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be subtle and vary for each person.
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Prostate cancer is estimated to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer for males and for Australia overall as of 2025. Prostate cancer is cancer located within the prostate gland, which sits just below the bladder.
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Roughly ¼ of all cancer diagnoses in Australia are of rare or less common cancers. Rare cancers are classified as cancers that are diagnosed in fewer than 6 Australians per 100,000. Rare cancers refer to hundreds of different diseases, so finding information and resources can be difficult and confusing. The Rare Cancers Australia page provides a detailed information archive of all these cancers.
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Stomach and oesophageal cancers begin when cells in the stomach or food pipe (oesophagus) grow in an unusual way. These organs help move and digest food, so symptoms often relate to eating or swallowing.
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Testicular cancer starts when cells in one or both testicles grow in an unusual way.
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Here are the links to other information pages to learn more about different aspects of the diagnostic journey. You may also use the quick links on the right side of the page to navigate.
Investigations for a suspected cancer can lead to various diagnostic outcomes. To learn more about the different types of diagnosis, click here.
