Understanding Cancer
What is Cancer?
Normally cells grow and reproduce in an orderly and controlled way that keeps the body healthy.
When a cell becomes old or damaged it usually dies, but sometimes the system goes wrong and the cell is allowed to keep on dividing until a lump called a tumour starts to form.
There are two types of tumours, benign and malignant.
Normally cells grow and reproduce in an orderly and controlled way that keeps the body healthy. When a cell becomes old or damaged it usually dies, but sometimes the system goes wrong and the cell is allowed to keep on dividing until a lump called a tumour starts to form. There are two types of tumours, benign and malignant.
Benign tumours are made up of cells that are similar to normal cells. They only cause problems if they get too big and uncomfortable or release hormones. Some benign tumours become unsightly or may press on other organs in the body.
Malignant tumours are made of cancer cells. Cancer cells from malignant tumours can also spread to other parts of the body and grow into new tumours. A cancer that has spread has metastasised.
There are over 200 types of cells in the body so there are over 200 types of cancer, and each cancer is named after the area the cell came from. Each organ of your body can have several kinds of cancer.
Where a cancer starts is called the primary cancer and if it has spread into nearby tissue it’s called locally advanced cancer. An example of this is a lung cancer spreading into the lining of the chest, or ovarian cancer spreading into the lining of the abdomen. Cancer cells that are carried through the lymphatic system or the blood stream to other parts of the body are called secondary cancers or metastases.
Our Specialists in What is Cancer?
Dr Ruth Angell
MB ChB 1992 Otago; FRANZCR 2004
Radiation Oncologist
Dr Ramesh Arunachalam
MBBS FRANZCR
Radiation Oncologist
Dr Benji Benjamin
ONZM; MBBS; DMRT; MD; FRANZCR
Clinical Director
Dr Susan Brooks
MB ChB 1994 Auckland; FRANZCR 2003
Radiation Oncologist
Dr John Childs
MNZM; MB ChB; FRANZCR; FRACP
Oncologist
Dr Anthony Falkov
MB BCh 1983 Witwatersrand; FRANZCR 1997
Radiation Oncologist
Dr Louis Lao
MB ChB 2001 Otago; FRANZCR
Radiation Oncologist
Dr Maria Pearse
MB ChB 1994 Otago; FRANZCR 2003
Radiation Oncologist
Aimee Bourke
General Manager
Dr Frank Saran
MD FRCR
Radiation Oncologist
Dr Giuseppe Sasso
MBChB MD FRANZCR
Consultant Oncologist
Dr Ian M Hanson
MPhys, MSc, PhD, MIPEM
Chief Physicist
Ask us a question
Do you have something to ask that isn't answered here? You can either try our FAQs page, or send us your question below.
The Patient Pathway
First Specialist Appointment
At the first specialist appointment you will meet with your specialist radiation oncologist (RO) to discuss the proposed radiotherapy treatment approach and answer any questions and concerns you may have. Click read more to learn more and download information by treatment site e.g. breast, prostate.
Orientation
At the orientation appointment a patient care specialist (nurse or radiation therapist) will explain the procedures in more detail and answer any concerns that you might have about ARO and your treatment. Click read more to learn more and download information by treatment site e.g. breast, prostate.
Simulation
Before starting treatment, you will attend a simulation appointment to determine the optimal body position for receiving treatment and provide a detailed picture of the area to be treated.
First Day of Treatment
Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your allocated treatment time so we can greet you and allow you time to get changed for your treatment. Please bring an extra layer of clothing (e.g. cardigan or jacket) should you feel cold while you wait in the treatment reception area. Please report to the ARO reception desk. For free parking please refer to the information below. See location and parking for more information.
During Treatment
Weekly reviews with your radiation oncologist or one of our patient care team will be conducted to monitor any side effects and provide on-going support and advice as required. Click read more to learn more and download information by treatment site e.g. breast, prostate.
Last Week of Treatment
An appointment will be scheduled for you to meet with a member of our patient care team to answer any questions and to ensure appropriate care is organised after your last treatment visit. This may include regular monitoring of blood results, appointments for dressings and management of side effects.
After Treatment
Usually 2-6 weeks after your last treatment visit you will meet with your radiation oncologist or the doctor that referred you to ARO. Your GP will also be sent a report about your treatment and will continue to provide for your general health needs.
You are welcome to contact our patient care team to answer questions or concerns that you may have about your treatment or possible side effects up to 2 weeks following your last treatment visit. Please phone our nurses on 09 623 6585, email aronurses@aro.co.nz or make an appointment during business hours.
Should you require support after 2 weeks, please contact the ARO Specialist Centre on phone 09 623 6587 or email specialistcentre@aro.co.nz. For all other health concerns, please contact your GP, usual healthcare provider or local emergency facility. Click read more to learn more and download information by treatment site e.g. breast, prostate. This includes information on possible side effects and self care advice by treatment site.