Cancer

Topic description and stories

We are are helping to end death and disease caused by cancer, saving more lives by detecting early and personalising treatments. The experiences of patients and their families shape every stage of research and of plans for the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, as we work together to change the story of cancer.

Geometric illustration of multi coloured human figures

Cancer isn’t fair – but care should be

04 February 2024

Listening to people's lived experiences is helping to improve the awareness and uptake of cancer care. On World Cancer Day, we take a look at some of the ways researchers are working with communities to ‘close the cancer care gap’.

The spectacular star-forming Carina Nebula has been captured in great detail by the VLT Survey Telescope at ESO’s Paranal Observatory.

Cancer researchers and astronomers team up to beat cancer

20 Feb 2013

Cambridge scientists have honed techniques originally developed to spot distant galaxies and used them to identify biomarkers that signal a cancer’s...

Quadruplex visualisation and staining in human cell nuclei and chromosomes

Four-stranded ‘quadruple helix’ DNA structure proven to exist in human cells

31 Jan 2013

Discovery opens up possibilities for a new generation of targeted therapies for cancer.

World-leading cancer expert to head-up Cambridge Institute

21 Dec 2012

The University of Cambridge and Cancer Research UK have appointed Professor Simon Tavaré to be the next director of the Cancer Research UK Cambridge...

Awareness could eliminate inequalities in cancer diagnoses

13 Nov 2012

Each year 5,600 patients are diagnosed with cancer at a late stage because of inequalities. Study underlines importance of awareness campaigns.

Radiotherapy treatment plan for a head and neck tumour showing colour-shaded dosage areas.

Study to reduce radiotherapy toxicity

01 Oct 2012

A new research programme at the University of Cambridge hopes to improve cancer cure rates by reducing toxicity from radiotherapy.

Metastatic breast cancer in pleural field.

Exposure to X-Rays raises risk of breast cancer in young women with BRCA faults

07 Sep 2012

Women with faults in BRCA genes are more likely to develop breast cancer if they are exposed to chest X-rays before they are 30, according to a study...

Genetic roulette in a new world

17 Aug 2012

Dr Robin Hesketh, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry and author of Betrayed by Nature, explains how advances in inexpensive, rapid...

Breast cancer: Back to basics

16 Aug 2012

Ahead of the first in a series of pub-based science talks, called “SciBar” this evening (16 August), Hayley Frend explains why fundamental knowledge...

Hydrogel technology may reduce the need for injections

New technology delivers sustained release of drugs for up to six months

15 Aug 2012

A new technology which delivers sustained release of therapeutics for up to six months could be used in conditions which require routine injections...