Living with cancer of unknown primary (CUP)
Cancer Research UK is the largest cancer research organisation in the world outside the USA. We fund research on all aspects of cancer from its causes to prevention and treatment.
We are committed to producing high quality information for people affected by cancer. As well as looking at the information on this website you can call our nurse freephone helpline on 0808 800 4040. They are available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Or you can send them a question online.
Contact our cancer information nurses
Cancer Chat is our online forum where you can share experiences.
You can click on the names below to find information about other organisations. These organisations and websites help and support people affected by cancer and its treatment.
Some organisation have booklets and audiobooks that you can order or download. Some also provide information in other languages and easy read booklets.
Provides free, reliable information about health issues including mental health, by sharing people's real-life experiences.
Visit the Healthtalk.org website
There are organisations and support services in your local area that you can access. You can ask your specialist nurse or doctor for more information about cancer services near you.
The NHS website has a service that tells you about local information and support in England.
NHS Inform gives information about illness, treatments and NHS services for people in Scotland.
NHS 111 Wales gives health advice and information for people living in Wales.
The Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) website tells you where to find cancer information and support in Northern Ireland.
Last reviewed: 12 Aug 2024
Next review due: 12 Aug 2027
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) means that cancer spread (secondary cancer) has been found in your body, but doctors don't know where the cancer started (the primary tumour).
There are many organisations and websites that help and support people affected by cancer and its treatment.
Advice and support is available to help you cope with cancer of unknown primary (CUP) and its treatment.
Coping with cancer of unknown primary is difficult. There are specialists who can help you, your family and friends cope.
Treatment for CUP depends on a number of things, including where the cancer is and your general health. You might have a targeted cancer drug or chemotherapy. Sometimes you may have surgery or radiotherapy to help control your symptoms.
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Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
