Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and one of the most feared diagnoses a patient can face. The number of new cases is expected to rise by 70% over the next two decades, but few of us understand what it is, how it affects the body or what can be done to treat and even prevent it.

In this illuminating introduction, Dr Paul Scotting explains the science behind the disease and explores the factors that can increase our risk of developing cancer.¿ Fully revised and updated, Cancer: A Beginner¿s Guide details the latest breakthroughs, cutting-edge developments and promising new strategies that will help us combat and cure cancer in the future.

Paul Scotting is Associate Professor at the Institute of Genetics at the University of Nottingham, UK, and is on the scientific advisory board of the University of Padua, Italy.