Brain cancer involves abnormal cells growing uncontrollably in the brain, classified as primary (starting in the brain) or secondary (spreading from elsewhere), and graded by aggressiveness from 1 to 4. Key symptoms include new or severe headaches, seizures, vision changes, and personality shifts. Diagnosis typically involves MRI/CT scans and biopsies.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare, self-renewing subpopulation of tumor cells that drive cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and recurrence. Resistant to conventional chemo- and radiotherapy, these “immortal” cells often survive treatment to cause relapse. Targeted therapies aiming to eradicate CSCs are critical for improving patient survival rates.

Epigenetics in cancer involves reversible, non-genetic alterations—primarily DNA methylation and histone modification—that change gene expression, driving tumor development and progression. Unlike DNA mutations, these “soft” changes are potentially reversible, making them critical targets for novel therapeutic strategies (epidrugs) that restore normal cellular function.

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and lymphatic system, characterized by the rapid production of abnormal, dysfunctional white blood cells. It affects both children and adults, with symptoms often including fatigue, frequent infections, bruising, and fever. Treatment involves chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplants.

Patient-Derived Xenografts (PDX) are crucial preclinical models where human tumor tissue (or cells) from a patient is implanted into immunodeficient mice, allowing the tumor to grow and maintain its original characteristics, thus closely mimicking the patient’s cancer for testing new drugs, understanding tumor biology, and developing personalized medicine. These models preserve genetic and histological features, providing higher predictive value for ... Read More

Sarcoma is a rare, diverse group of cancers arising in connective tissues like bones, fat, muscle, nerves, and blood vessels, affecting all ages but common in children and young adults. Symptoms include a growing, painless lump, bone pain, or abdominal pain. While most causes are unknown, risk factors include radiation, genetic syndromes, and chronic lymphedema.

Soft tissue sarcomas are rare, diverse cancers developing in connective tissues like muscle, fat, nerves, or tendons, often appearing as a painless, growing lump in limbs or the trunk. Early symptoms are often absent; as tumors grow, they may cause pain or pressure. Diagnosis involves imaging (MRI/CT) and biopsy.

Cancer epidemiology studies the distribution, causes (etiology), and prevention of cancer within populations, tracking trends in incidence, mortality, and survival. It identifies risks like smoking, obesity, and infection, accounting for ~90% of cases being linked to lifestyle/environmental factors. Key findings include lung, breast, and prostate as top cancers, with aging as a major, non-preventable risk.

About 4 in 10 cancer cases can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices and policy changes, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. Key prevention strategies include avoiding tobacco (the leading cause), maintaining a healthy body weight, staying physically active, reducing alcohol consumption, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and protecting against UV radiation and HPV.

Cancer survival rates have reached record highs, with approximately 70% of people surviving at least 5 years post-diagnosis due to earlier detection and improved treatments. While overall cancer death rates have dropped by over 34% since 1991, outcomes vary widely by cancer type, with pancreatic (8%–12%) and liver (13%–21%) cancers showing the lowest, and prostate (88%–93%) and skin melanoma (92%+) ... Read More

Immunotherapy is a revolutionary biological cancer treatment that boosts or changes the body’s own immune system to recognize, attack, and destroy cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, it specifically targets cancer with generally fewer side effects. It is used for various cancers to control growth, shrink tumors, or help patients live longer.

Precision medicine is a tailored approach to healthcare that customizes disease prevention and treatment based on an individual’s unique genetic profile, environment, and lifestyle. By analyzing molecular data, such as tumor genetics, it allows doctors to select precise therapies for better efficacy and fewer side effects compared to “one-size-fits-all” approaches. This, often called personalized medicine, leverages AI and big data ... Read More

Radiotherapy (or radiation therapy) uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells, shrink tumors, and control cancer growth, often by damaging their DNA, and can be used alone or with other treatments like surgery or chemotherapy. It typically involves external beams from a machine (external beam radiation) or placing radioactive sources inside the body (internal radiation or brachytherapy). Treatment ... Read More

Cancer mental health support involves specialized care for emotional distress, anxiety, and depression caused by a diagnosis, provided through psychosocial oncology teams, counselors, social workers, and peer support groups.

Supportive care in cancer is a holistic approach to improve quality of life by managing physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical challenges from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship, focusing on preventing and relieving symptoms and side effects of the illness and its treatments, and can involve nutrition, pain management, mental health, rehabilitation, and financial help, integrating with oncology care to ensure ... Read More

Cancer symptom management improves quality of life by addressing physical and emotional effects of cancer and its treatment, such as pain, fatigue, nausea, and anxiety, through medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Effective management involves early, consistent communication with a healthcare team and utilizing resources like specialized pain clinics.