Topic: Cancer biology

The original cancer that developed. Cells from the primary cancer may break away and be carried to other parts of the body, where secondary cancers may form (metastasis).

The complex environment that surrounds and feeds a tumour cell, which includes various cell types (such as immune cells) proteins, metabolites and blood vessels. The tumour microenvironment is vital for a tumour’s function and growth, and there is a constant crosstalk between the tumour and its microenvironement.

metastases): Cancer that has spread from a primary cancer, where the cancer started, into another part of the body. Also called secondary cancer or metastatic cancer (see stage).

Any abnormal growth of tissues which is uncontrolled and progressive. These can be benign or malignant.

Abnormal cells or tissue changes that are not cancer, but may have the potential to become cancer in the future if they are not monitored or treated.

Finding and treating high-risk precancerous changes before they develop into cancer. This means intervening early to stop cancer from developing or becoming invasive.

Cancer that has spread into tissues at the primary site, where the cancer started, and/or to other parts of the body (see stage).

Cancer. Malignant cells can spread (metastasise) and eventually cause death if not treated.

A carcinogen is a substance, organism or agent capable of causing cancer. Carcinogens may occur naturally in the environment (such as ultraviolet rays in sunlight) or may be generated by humans (such as cigarette smoke). Most carcinogens are dangerous as they damage a cell’s DNA to cause mutations. The amount (dose) and duration of exposure […]

The development of cancer. This is the process that changes healthy, normal cells to cancer cells.