Rare and less common cancers
Some types of cancer, like bowel, breast, lung and prostate cancers and melanoma, affect large numbers of people and are known as common cancers.
Many other cancer types affect much smaller numbers of people and are described as rare cancers or less common cancers.
What are rare or less common cancers?
Cancers are described as rare or less common based on how many people in a population are diagnosed with these cancers.
In Australia:
- Rare cancers are cancers diagnosed in less than 6 people per 100,000.
- Less common cancers are cancers diagnosed in less than 12 people per 100,000.
Although only small numbers of people are diagnosed with each type of rare or less common cancer, when added together this is a lot of people. In total, around 1 in every 3 cancers diagnosed is a rare or less common cancer.
Information about rare and less common cancers on this website
We provide information on several rare and less common cancers.
This includes:
- information about diagnosis, treatment, coping with cancer and finding support
- links to our Canrefer website which helps GPs and patients find cancer specialists for different types of cancer
- links to other organisations that provide information or support for people with these cancers.
Check our Cancer types page to see if your cancer is listed.
What is different about rare and less common cancers?
Compared with common cancers, there can be less information available about rare and less common cancers and less doctors with experience in treating them.
This can make it harder for people with these cancers understand their treatment options and know who to see. Some people may need to travel to see a doctor who specialises in their type of cancer and to have treatment.
Other information about rare and less common cancers
Even if your cancer type is not included on this site, there are still places where you can find information and support.
- Rare Cancers Australia provides information and support for people diagnosed with rare and less common cancers. You can go to their website or call them on 1800 257 600.
- Cancer Council also has information about various rare and less common cancers on their website. They also provide a range of advice and support for people with cancer. You can go to their website or call them on 13 11 20.
- The Australian Rare Cancer (ARC) Portal allows Australian cancer specialists to access expert clinical advice on rare cancers, particularly for patients who live away from major treatment centres. Their Patients and families page explains more about this.
Some overseas cancer websites also have information about rare cancers. However, it is important to understand that not all the information provided may be relevant to Australians. For example, support numbers will not work here, and some treatments used overseas may not be used here.
Sites which may be of interest include:
- National Cancer Institute, USA
- Cancer Research UK
- Canadian Cancer Society
Other resources we recommend
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Cancer Council Mon-Fri 9am-5pm13 11 20
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Rare Cancers Australia Monday - Friday1800 257 600