Cancer Biology: How Science Works

Cancer is a collection of diseases caused by uncontrolled cellular growth, with an individual history of 20 or more years of tumorigenesis. Preventive interventions are the most effective way to fight against cancer, and this textbook provides a holistic view of cancer surveillance mechanisms and the personal consequences of lifestyle decisions. It is linked to the lecture course in "Cancer Biology" and related to other textbooks on gene regulation, epigenetics, and nutrigenomics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 167 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Cancer is a complex and diverse group of diseases that have the ability to impact virtually every organ in our body. These diseases share a common trait: uncontrolled cellular growth. The cells that make up our body possess the potential to multiply in response to wound healing or the ongoing replacement of cells in our blood, skin, and intestine. It is important to note that the development of malignant tumors in adulthood often spans a significant period, often lasting 20 or more years. Consequently, cancer is often viewed as an aging-related disease that poses significant challenges to prevention and treatment.

However, it is worth emphasizing that tumorigenesis is influenced by a multitude of environmental factors, many of which we have the power to control through lifestyle choices. These choices include abstaining from smoking, opting for nutritious food, and engaging in regular physical activity. As a result, cancer preventive interventions emerge as the most effective strategy in combating this disease.

This textbook aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that drive cancer development, while also offering a broader perspective that encompasses cancer surveillance mechanisms within the immune system. We will contextualize these insights within the personal consequences of individuals' lifestyle decisions. The content of the book is closely linked to the lecture course in "Cancer Biology" taught by Prof. Carlberg at the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio since 2005. Furthermore, the biological processes explained in this book will be contextualized within a clinical setting, drawing upon the expertise of Dr. Velleuer in the daily care of oncology patients.

This book also connects to other textbooks, including "Mechanisms of Gene Regulation: How Science Works" (ISBN 978-3-030-52321-3), "Human Epigenetics: How Science Works" (ISBN 978-3-030-22907-8), and "Nutrigenomics: How Science Works" (ISBN 978-3-030-36948-4), which serve as valuable resources for further exploration of the field. By studying these texts, readers can gain a deeper appreciation of the complex mechanisms underlying cancer and the ways in which scientific inquiry contributes to our understanding and management of this disease.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030756987
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021