This topic covers the basic principles of cancer biology, including how cancer develops, grows, and spreads.
Cell biology: Understanding the structure and function of cells is fundamental to comprehending biological processes in the context of cancer.
Molecular biology: The study of cellular processes at a molecular level (genetics, epigenetics, proteomics, etc.) helps scientists investigate how cancer develops and progresses within cells.
Genetics: The study of heredity and variation of genes, including tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes, is central to understanding how cancer can occur.
Immunology: Investigating the interaction of the immune system and cancer cells helps in the development of effective cancer therapies.
Physiology and Biochemistry: The study of normal body functions and their underlying chemical processes is vital to understanding how cancer cells differ from normal cells.
Epidemiology: The study of the frequency and distribution of cancer within populations is a crucial aspect of public health research, as it helps in identifying causes, treatments, and preventive measures.
Pharmacology: The study of drugs and their effects on the body is essential to developing chemotherapy and cancer vaccines.
Statistics and Data Analysis: The research in areas of oncology relies heavily on the use of statistical and mathematical models for data analysis and interpretation.
Radiation Biology: The study of the effects of radiation on cells is critical to the design of radiation therapy for cancer.
Clinical Trials: Design, conduct and analysis of clinical trials of investigational agents or drugs for cancer therapy.
Pathology: The study of cell and tissue changes in response to disease, including cancer.
Biotechnology: Involves the application of biological principles to create products, tools, and techniques that may help in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Imaging: The development and application of imaging technologies like positron emission tomography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging in oncology provides a way to visualize cancer progression and evaluate treatment outcomes.
Ethics: Research in oncology protocols, patient rights, and medical decision-making.
Cancer Prevention: Understanding the lifestyle and environmental factors associated with cancer can help in developing preventive measures against cancer.
Breast Cancer: Cancer cells that develop in the breast tissue.
Lung Cancer: A type of cancer that affects the lungs, commonly caused by smoking.
Prostate Cancer: A type of cancer that occurs in the prostate gland in males.
Colon Cancer: A type of cancer that affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
Skin Cancer: A type of cancer that develops in the skin cells, commonly caused by exposure to UV radiation.
Leukemia: A type of cancer that affects the blood cells.
Lymphoma: A type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.
Ovarian Cancer: A type of cancer that develops in the ovaries.
Pancreatic Cancer: A type of cancer that affects the pancreas.
Bladder Cancer: A type of cancer that occurs in the lining of the bladder.
Brain Cancer: A type of cancer that affects the brain or spinal cord.
Liver Cancer: A type of cancer that affects the liver cells.
Kidney Cancer: A type of cancer that affects the cells of the kidney.
Sarcoma: A type of cancer that affects the connective tissue, such as bone, cartilage, and muscles.