Understanding cancer of unknown primary (CUP)

Booklet
Published: 01 Dec 2022
Next review: 01 Dec 2025
Edition: 6

Cancer sometimes spreads from where it started (primary cancer) to another part of the body (secondary cancer). CUP is when doctors find a secondary cancer but cannot find where the cancer started.

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You can also download this booklet on Macmillan Orders with ID: MAC11689
Published: 01 Dec 2022
Next review: 01 Dec 2025
Edition: 6

Cancer sometimes spreads from where it started (primary cancer) to another part of the body (secondary cancer). CUP is when doctors find a secondary cancer but cannot find where the cancer started.

About this booklet

This booklet talks about the signs and symptoms of CUP. It explains how it is diagnosed and how it may be treated. We hope this booklet helps you deal with some of the questions or feelings you may have.   

 

Visit our online information about CUP.

 

We want everyone affected by cancer to feel our information is written for them. To do this we use plain English and we try to make it accessible and relevant to the widest range of people. Read more about how we produce our information.

 

Tag: CTYP

How we can help

Macmillan Support Line
The Macmillan Support Line is a free and confidential phone service for people living and affected by cancer. If you need to talk, we'll listen. 

 

Clinical Information Nurse Specialists
Our Cancer Information Nurse Specialists are dedicated cancer nurses available to talk to on our Macmillan Cancer Support Line. 
Welfare rights advice and tools

There are lots of benefits that could help you after a cancer diagnosis, but the system can be confusing. Our Welfare Rights Advisors are here to help.