| Cancer is a diverse
class of diseases which differ widely in their causes and
biology. The common thread in all known cancers is the
acquisition of abnormalities in the genetic material of the
cancer cell and its progeny. Research into the pathogenesis of
cancer can be divided into three broad areas of focus. The first
area of research focuses on the agents and events which cause or
facilitate genetic changes in cells destined to become cancer.
Second, it is important to uncover the precise nature of the
genetic damage, and the genes which are affected by it. The
third focus is on the consequences of those genetic changes on
the biology of the cell, both in generating the defining
properties of a cancer cell, and in facilitating additional
genetic events, leading to further progression of the cancer.
Causes Chemical
carcinogens >>
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Cancer
Classification
1. Nomenclature
2. Adult cancers
3. Childhood cancers
Signs and symptoms
Diagnosis
1. Investigation
2. Biopsy
Treatment
1. Surgery
2. Radiation therapy
3. Chemotherapy
4. Targeted therapies
5. Immunotherapy
6. Hormonal therapy
7. Symptom control
8. Complementary and alternative
9. Treatment trials
Prognosis
1. Emotional impact
Causes
1. Chemical carcinogens
2. Ionizing radiation &
Infectious diseases
3. Hormonal imbalances & Immune system dysfunction
4. Heredity & Other causes
Pathophysiology
1. Epigenetics
2. Oncogenes
3. Tumor suppressor genes
4. Cancer cell biology
4.1 Clonal evolution
4.2 Biological properties of cancer cells
Prevention
1. Modifiable ("lifestyle") risk factors
2. Diet
3. Vitamins
4. Chemoprevention
5. Genetic testing
6. Vaccination
7. Screening
Epidemiology
History
Research |
