Cancer. The Big C. The Long Illness. That Which Must Not Be Named. Whatever you call it, it's a big bully. There are, of course, two ways to deal with a bully: hide in a corner and hope it goes away, or stand tall and say, "No more." As a cancer biologist, you will have picked the latter, so get ready for the most important fight of your (and most of humanity's) life.

There are plenty of reasons to choose cancer biology as a field of study, and only one of them is because you want to punch cancer in the face (valid). Maybe it's personal. They say everyone is affected by cancer, whether they end up having it or are close to someone who does. Maybe it's not personal, but you just feel like you owe it to humanity to take a personal stake. 

Whatever the reason, it is one of the most awe-inspiring careers one can inspire awe with, so if you're inspired to do it, we think that's really awesome.

Somewhere among the reasons you may choose to pursue this career―and hopefully pursue cancer until it falls off a cliff―is the money. And that's okay; we know that's not necessarily the first or only reason you do this (and if it is, that's fine too, as long as you're still good at it). Just know that you're going to be well-paid for doing this, to the tune of around $80,000 a year (source).

The longer you fight the good fight, the more your battle abilities are worth. People with doctorates in this field can expect a good six-figure salary. Even the people who teach this stuff can make that decent wage. If we're paying teachers what they're worth here, you know this is serious business.

 

These may make you look smarter, but they won't fool cancer. (Source)

And it is serious business, which is why that hefty salary comes with so many qualifications and expectations. Every year, billions of dollars are poured into research against cancer from every source you could imagine―a whopping $500 million dollars comes from the American Cancer Society, and that's just one organization (source). 

That means cancer research institutions and university laboratories are looking for the best, the brightest, and the most qualified. Being super-smart means nothing if you don’t have the training.

You won't even be able to consider this job without a bachelor's degree in the natural sciences (think biology or chemistry), but that'll just give you something to shove into the door while you try to prop it open (source). To really walk through the door, a master's degree in something sciencey is the way to go; if you want people to rush up and open the door for you, you're going to need to get that Dr. in front of your name.

People who do end up as cancer biologists have worked hard for the job, but it's not the only profession available to you. Besides the obvious medical researcher positions, there are more hands-on careers, like being a radiation therapist or a nuclear medical technician (source). 

For those who would rather battle cancer with ideas and papers, becoming a program coordinator or medical director can scratch that leadership itch.

No matter how you choose to approach this career, just the simple fact that you're considering spending your life in cancer biology, research, and/or oncology means you want to make a difference. Of course, even babysitters make a difference by not letting children stick stuff up their noses...you're looking to make a difference on a grand scale. 

 

You know that Calvin calling himself "The Big C" doesn't actually make him cancer…but you punch him anyway. (Source)

The discoveries you make or the therapies and techniques you create will be able to help people across the world.

So it's okay with us if you want to think big, because the battle against The Big C is the biggest one there is.

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