Types of research

There are essentially two approaches to the cancer problem namely prevention and treatment. Advances in these areas depend on the information that research provides. In Ireland, as elsewhere, the following types of cancer research are being actively pursued:

• Edipemiological research: to identify risk factors for various cancers so that the disease may be prevented.
• Basic laboratory research: to identify the cellular mechanism of cancer in order to unravel the mystery of why some cells behave abnormally and become cancerous.
• Clinical research: to identify the most effective therapy and the most effective combination of therapies.