Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health SciencesResearch Domains

UV light, cigarette smoke, infections, and inherited genetic predispositions can all cause cancer by damaging the body's DNA. If there is damage to genes that control cell division, cells may begin dividing uncontrollably and spread throughout the body, becoming cancerous. Cancer cells can arise anywhere in the body: cancer is not one disease, but many different diseases. The strategies and therapies to treat cancer are also diverse.

Nearly one third of all deaths in Australia can be attributed to cancer with prostate and breast cancers the most prevalent in men and women. Due to our aging population, cancer rates are on the rise.

Researchers seek a cure for cancer, but also better management, longer survival and better quality of life for patients. Research within the our cancer research domain includes:

• Basic research to understand the responses of cancerous cells;
• Translational research to develop new therapeutic approaches for diagnosing and treating cancer by harnessing the immune system, starving cancer cells, or identifying drug targets against cancer;
• Clinical research to test new therapies that have been developed for their safety and efficacy in treating patients;
• Epidemiological research to study the prevalence and impact of cancer among various groups within our society.

Research is conducted on the university campus, as well as The Royal Melbourne Hospital (Melbourne Health), Royal Women's Hospital, The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (Parkville and Austin campuses) and The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and other affiliated institutes, hospitals and organisations. Our researchers also work closely with cancer researchers all over the world to improve outcomes and ultimately, to understand and prevent cancer.

Cancer subdomains:

Research Higher Degrees

Interested in research studies in Cancer? Contact us.

For general information about research higher degrees, including the application process, visit the faculty's Research Higher Degrees website.