Begin by making a list of questions that will help you conduct research on the topic. To get you started, here are some questions that may lead you to a better understanding of the topic: What is cancer? Is cancer only one disease?
How does cancer affect the cell cycle and the growth of cells? How is this process similar to or different from how an infectious disease affects cells?
How do genes play a role in cancer progression?
Are there any environmental or pathogenic factors that can cause cancer?
How does cancer progress in the body? Why is cancer difficult to treat in the later stages?
What do the terms stage and grade mean in the context of cancer?
What current treatments exist for cancer?
What treatments are on the horizon?
What are the challenges of treating or curing cancer?
Now write down four more questions about cancer that will help you strengthen your arguments in your research paper.

After you’ve gathered your research and answered all your questions, create an outline for your research paper in the answer space. Following these guidelines for writing a five-paragraph essay may help you structure your outline. Be sure to account for the claim you’re making in your introduction, and include a works cited page at the end with the authors and websites you consulted.