Cancer

Cancer was a class of diseases among humans and other species. It was characterised by uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues. This unregulated growth was caused by damage to DNA, resulting in mutations to genes that controlled cell division. If untreated, cancers could kill its host.

Cancer could respond to chemotherapy, or other treatments, and go into remission. (TV: The Woman Who Fell to Earth)

Cancer cells were even sometimes considered to be immortal. As a result, there was a rumour spreading during Miracle Day that, since everything mortal became immortal, cancer cells became mortal, which Allen Shapiro took as a good enough excuse to start smoking again. (TV: End of the Road)

Smoking tobacco was a major cause of lung cancer, a fact that the Brigadier was aware of, and as a result he discouraged his subordinates from smoking. (PROSE: Doctor Who and the Green Death)