It seems to be the answer we were needing. The warrior to battle the illness which kills more people than any other, may well be inside our bodies. Scientists now say that results from experiments show we have a gene within us which can beat cancer in some instances and this is finally real news because, in spite of earlier scientific results which showed a cure against cancer, this seems to be it.

It is not the answer we need to defeat all cancer types, but it is a hugely important advancement in our knowledge of how the disease affects and destroys the human body, and, in future, will help scientists discover how to manipulate this particular gene to combat other cancers.

One gene may protect its carrier against a variety of cancers, as shown in new tests.

Two different variants of the B-MYB gene found in up to 50% of the world's population are found less often in people with cancer, the journal Nature reports.

The Institute of Child Health's Dr Arturo Sala said it might well prove a "key find" in cancer.

Charity Cancer Research UK stressed that more research would explain how it would help prevent the disease.

Further research had already shown B-MYB having a role in the spread of the cancer.

It has been found to be over-active in various types of cancer.

The most recent analysis tested more than 400 patients with either colon cancer, a tumour in the brain dubbed neuroblastoma, better known as chronic myeloid leukaemia.

Their type of the B-MYB gene was analysed and compared to the types seen in 230 "controls" - volunteers with no known cancer.

Cancer patients have found useful information and resources to help to deal with symptoms of their ailment at while another resource of information is available for .