If you have cancer such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer or lung cancer, you will work with a local oncologist in addition to your local family physician. Local oncologists are medical doctors who are specially educated and trained in oncology, which involves diagnosing and treating cancer. The type of local oncologist you will see depends on the type of cancer you or your family member has. For example, a child with cancer will be referred to see a pediatric oncologist by their local family physician.

If you have bone cancer, you may see an orthopedic oncologist for treatment or a local orthopedic surgeon for orthopedic surgery. If you have ovarian cancer, you may see a gynecologic oncologist. Depending on the type of cancer you have, you may undergo surgery to remove a tumour, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells, while chemotherapy uses chemicals to destroy them. Your local family physician can be a good resource on the lifestyle changes you can make to prevent certain types of cancer, including quitting smoking, eliminating or reducing alcohol consumption and reducing saturated fats and sodium.

Thyroid cancer develops when abnormal cells grow in your thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck. It regulates functions including metabolic rate and body growth. Thyroid cancer is uncommon and is usually found early, when treatments work best. Thyroid cancer is often treated with surgery and radioactive iodine.

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. In early stages it often causes no symptoms and is generally slow growing. Depending on the case, prostate cancer may be safely followed with active surveillance or watchful waiting rather than surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.

Testicular cancer develops in the cells of the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system. Signs and symptoms include a painless lump on the testicle or swelling. Men should learn how to do a testicular self-exam to detect any symptoms. If you develop testicular cancer, you will work with a local oncologist to determine treatment.

Melanoma is a less common but dangerous type of skin cancer that forms from melanocytes, which are the pigment-containing cells in the skin. The most common cause is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) from the sun and tanning beds. Melanomas often appear on the skin as a new mole, develop in an existing mole or as a freckle-like spot.