Understanding Cancer

This informative and fully illustrated new textbook covers all aspects of cancer biology, from the cellular processes underlying tumorigenesis, all the way through to the development of new agents and strategies to improve cancer treatment and prevention. No prior medical knowledge is assumed, and each chapter provides an authoritative self-contained account. Uniquely, this book extends a broad net over the whole subject, and is not restricted to the ferociously advancing field of cancer genetics only. It describes how cancer is diagnosed and classified, how causes are identified, how tumours behave and how the flawed fundamental biological processes drive them. It explains how clinicians assess tumours, it explores well-established therapeutic options and evaluates the potential for innovative new treatments in the future. The text concludes with a helpful glossary of terminology. Every detail of information is clearly described from first principles and the book will, thus, provide an ideal introductory account for students of medicine, cell biology and pathology, as well as health-care professionals working on cancer and drug development.