The following website is designed to explain the disease known as cancer. There are many websites that are designed to explain cancer in different aspects, however, most fall into two main categories. The first type of websites are made to quickly answer questions for someone without prior knowledge of biology. These sites often use vague terms, such as ‘abnormal’, without elaboration (1). Whilst this approach can answer questions, it does not allow that knowledge to be used in other circumstances.
The second type of websites are made for people with prior knowledge trying to understand specific aspects of cancer, or, read specific studies. These sites often use challenging terminology without explanation, leading to confusion and difficulties in comprehension.
The one thing seen almost universally across these websites is a lack of consistency between contexts. For example , things in biology can fall into multiple categories, have multiple names, and be present in multiple scenarios. An identical term used by various sources can be completely different depending on the level of depth and the target audience of the website. A clear example of this are T cells. T cells could be referred to as T lymphocytes (2), leukocytes (3), lymphocytes (4), white blood cells (5), agranulocytes (3) , immune cells (6) or T cells (4). Each of these terms are correct but some are categories that include T cells while others are more specific or scientific. Terms like these make it increasingly difficult to jump between websites and gain an in-depth understanding, it not only adds confusion, but prevents people from making connections between related processes.
This website is designed to explain cancer at a professional level, and include all the necessary information to support your understanding. It will use but also define technical language, it will clarify multiple interpretations when possible, and provide all the necessary background information. As this is all written by the same person it will include the same language and build a cohesive understanding of cancer and its treatments. The aim is to bridge the gap between the two aforementioned types of website, allowing curious people to easily explore more complicated sources, and have productive informed conversations with medical staff.
It is recommended for people without previous experience in biology to start in the “basic biology” section and then progress through the modules via the “next” button found at the bottom of each page. It is also possible to progress through the pages in any order however this may be more confusing.