The war on cancer – What is the enemy, and are we winning?

Abstract

The so-called ‘war on cancer’ is now in its fifth decade. This article presents some facts and figures about cancer and the effort to treat it. It outlines updated thinking on the hallmarks and classification of cancer, and draws together published quotes from experts on the state of play in the fight against this disease.

Keywords:

• War on cancer
• Cancer

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jo Whelan

Jo Whelan BSc is a medical writer and occasional science journalist specialising in oncology. She is currently studying for an MSc in Cancer Therapeutics at Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London.