Cancer affects many people in the EU. Therapeutic advances mean that people with many different types of cancer now live longer and have a better quality of life. And research continues; pharmaceutical companies are investigating new medicines and novel therapies, such as gene therapy to reduce the toll of cancer on patients and families.
Disease: Cancer
Last update: June 2008
Intro
FAQ
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What is it?
Cancer is a condition where cells multiply uncontrollably. The resulting mass, or tumour, may invade neighbouring organs. Malignant tumours shed cells that can end up in organs like the liver, lung or brain where they form secondary tumours (metastasis). Tumours can develop in any organ, requiring different treatment and management. -
Who gets it?
Cancer affects one in two men and one in three women at some time in their lives. In the EU, the commonest form in women is breast cancer, followed by colon, lung and skin cancer. In men, the commonest is lung, followed by skin, colon, and prostate cancer. -
What can be done about it?
Radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy are the main treatments. There are several classes of chemotherapy agents and it is common for a combination to be used to maximise effectiveness. They can be very effective, although a complete cure can be difficult to achieve. They can also have major side effects. Advances in research have made many more tumours treatable - prolonging and improving the quality of life. However, there is a great need for improved medications. -
What does the future hold?
A great deal of effort is being put into researching anti-cancer medicines, with the aims of treating more cancers, improving effectiveness and reducing side effects. New compounds are being developed for a range of different cancers. Gene therapy and therapies that stimulate the immune system are also being investigated.
Increased understanding of the biology of cancer cells is leading to some very sophisticated approaches. For example, research is underway into the use of a virus to introduce a gene into a cancer cell. The job of this gene is to turn an inactive self-destruct agent into its active form. The virus only infects cancer cells, not normal cells, so only the cancer cell is killed. Other research is investigating compounds that stop tumours developing the blood supply they need in order to grow.