This Oxford at Said seminar was dedicated to cancer research. Three researchers from the University of Oxford give insights into recent advances in the field of cancer cell biology, therapy and epidemiology. One in three people develop cancer, and one in five in Europe and North America die of the disease. Although environmental and lifestyle factors, for example smoking or sun exposure, affect the incidence of some cancer types, all human populations and many types of animal suffer from this disease. So, where do we currently stand in understanding the biology of cancer and how do we translate these findings into effective diagnostics and treatment? Three leading academics from the University of Oxford give insights into recent advances in the field of cancer cell biology, therapy and epidemiology.