/oss/taxonomy/term/678/all en /oss/article/health-you-asked/what-are-oncogenes <p>I once read somewhere that “cancer is the natural end state of all multicellular organisms”. If this was meant as reassurance to the millions who have suffered the ravages of the merciless affliction, it certainly missed the point. However, it does seem to hold true. People who might have been said to be “dying of old age” two centuries ago are now described as cancer victims. This does not mean that the battle against cancer is futile: better treatment and prevention would mean longer, healthier lives for millions, something that is definitely worth fighting for.</p> Tue, 06 Nov 2012 17:28:21 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 1758 at /oss