This is a remarkable time for cancer research. As technology and our understanding of the inner workings of cells improve, research into finding and treating tumours advances.
Cancer research is a step-by-step process that involves collecting, examining and analyzing information to improve our knowledge and understanding of how normal cells become cancerous. Research has shown that cancer is a very complex disease, but researchers are closer than ever before to fully understanding many types of cancer. As our knowledge of cancer continues to grow, there will be even greater progress in cancer treatment.
Cancer treatment is based on scientific evidence, which means it has been well tested in the laboratory and in groups of people. A person with cancer may want to consider taking part in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are research studies that test new ways to prevent, detect, treat or manage cancer. Canada is an international leader in conducting clinical trials.
Thanks to gains in knowledge made by researchers here in Canada and around the world, we are making great progress against cancer. We are moving toward the day when some cancers will be curable, and some cancers will be managed like chronic diseases – just as diabetes and asthma are today.
Understanding the research process
When we think about progress against cancer, it is important to recognize that science is a step-by-step process where new discoveries often build on previous research studies. Cancer research is a time-consuming and expensive undertaking – it can take years for researchers to complete a single study.
Each year, hundreds of researchers working in hospitals, research centres and other academic institutions across Canada apply for funds to support their work through the Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute or other research-focused organizations. Applications for research funding undergo a strict review process that has been carefully designed to make sure only excellent research receives funding. Researchers seek support for a variety of cancer research projects – from basic laboratory research to clinical trials involving cancer prevention, population health, cancer treatment and quality of life. Cancer research covers a wide range of activities and aspects of scientific study. Some types of cancer research are discussed below.
Basic cancer research
Basic cancer research takes place in the laboratory, where scientists try to understand cancer at its deepest, most fundamental level. Most of this fundamental research takes place using cells grown in the laboratory or model organisms of disease, such as specially developed mouse strains. Understanding the basic processes of a cell may uncover answers about how normal cells become cancerous. Researchers are doing a variety of basic studies, including:
- understanding how cell division and cell death are controlled
- discovering what makes cancer cells spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body
- looking for substances, or "markers," that can be found in the bodies of people with cancer
- identifying unique characteristics of cancer cells to design new treatments with fewer side effects
- finding out why certain cancer cells and tumours become resistant to treatment
- looking at the genetic basis of different cancers and how each person’s unique genetic profile can make them more vulnerable to cancer or provide insights on the most effective treatments for their particular disease
Translational research
A major focus of research today is to transfer basic discoveries made in the laboratory to clinical practice. Researchers are also trying to use clinical observations to generate new areas for scientists to study in the lab. This lab-to-the-bedside, and back again, approach of research is called translational research.
Clinical research
Clinical research is one of the most important ways we can improve the treatment and management of cancer. Clinical research includes clinical trials aimed at preventing, diagnosing, treating or controlling cancer better through:
- improved methods of finding cancer
- new anti-cancer drugs
- better ways of giving radiation therapy
- more effective combinations of treatments
- the use of complementary and alternative cancer therapies
- improved supportive care to reduce the impact of cancer
Scientists are also doing area-specific research for many types of cancer.
Behavioural research
Behavioural research looks at how our behaviour can affect our risk of getting cancer. This type of research studies what motivates us to maintain healthy behaviours and the reasons why we don't always choose them. Researchers look for ways to prevent people from taking up unhealthy behaviours like smoking. They also try to find ways to help us lead healthier lives, such as becoming more physically active.
Cancer etiology and prevention research
It is hard to say what causes cancer. However, understanding what causes each type of cancer offers the best hope for prevention – or possibly even a cure. A growing focus of cancer research is looking into the causes of cancer (cancer etiology) and how to prevent it. This type of research is getting more attention because of increased anxiety over possible environmental causes of cancer and the need for more large, long-term studies in this area. Researchers are focusing on understanding the role of diet and lifestyle factors, hormones, infections, genetic factors and occupational and environmental factors in cancer. They hope to develop strategies to reduce a person's risk for cancer.
Psychosocial research
Psychosocial research looks at the emotional (psychological) and social impact that the disease has on people with cancer, their families and caregivers. Researchers also examine the importance of help and support for people coping and living with cancer. Psychosocial research often tries to study and measure a variety of issues related to quality of life in people with cancer, survivors and their families.
Learn more
To learn more about cancer research being done in Canada, the progress that has been made against cancer and what lies ahead, go to the Canadian Cancer Society.