The Biology of Cancer

Of all the diseases that afflict mankind those described as 'cancer' evoke the strongest emotions. 'Cancer' connotes pain, protracted suffering, hideous growth and death. It is widely and justifiably feared. In medically advanced countries, malignant neoplasms (the official term for cancers) account for a substantial proportion of all deaths. Out of a total of 575194 deaths in Eng­ land and Wales during the year 1970, some 117076-or 20·4 per cent-were attributed to neoplasms of one kind or anoth