College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine

Cancer

Scientists throughout the College lead research into causes, risk factors and potential treatments for many types of cancer that can affect people and animals. 

Shot of Cancer Research UK team in the lab

Cancer occurs when cells in a specific part of the body lose control and make endless copies of themselves.  These cancerous cells can invade healthy tissues to form tumours, and can eventually spread around the body .

There are more than 200 different types of cancer. Almost half of all people born in the UK after 1960 will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime. 

 

What we do

University of Edinburgh scientists lead research on colorectal cancer, breast, ovarian, endometrial and brain cancer. 

There are also research programmes in three new cancer types: sarcoma, renal, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma,  a form of liver cancer.

We carry out genomic, cellular and clinical studies, to better understand risks and causes of cancer, how it develops, and why some cancers don’t respond to therapy.  We aim to apply this knowledge for the benefit of patients and those at risk of developing the disease.

We also carry out research into the role of primary care services throughout the cancer journey, from prevention to palliative care. 

 

Where we do it

Cancer research is such a fundamental part of our work that it takes place in almost every research centre in our College, though many of our cancer specialists work in the Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, part of the Institute of Genetics and Cancer.   

We also carry out research into the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer affecting companion animals through the Riddell-Swan Veterinary Cancer Centre at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. 

 

Study

Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Graduate Research and Training

 

Explore 

Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre

Institute of Genetics and Cancer

Centre for Population Health Sciences

Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society