Inflammation plays a central role in cancer, shaping how tumors grow, evolve, and respond to treatment. Emerging research suggests that the microbiome—the community of microbes living in and around the body—may be a critical factor in this process. While most studies have focused on gut bacteria, far less is known about microbes found within tumors and how they influence cancer at the genetic and molecular levels. This knowledge gap is particularly relevant in cancers linked to chronic inflammation, such as prostate and bladder cancer. Our research explores how the cancer microbiome interacts with cancer cells and the immune system, potentially driving disease progression in multiple cancer types, in order to: - Understand how microbial diversity within tumors influences cancer growth. - Identify microbial signatures that could serve as prognostic biomarkers. - Investigate whether the presence of a cancer microbiome is a universal feature across different cancers. - Examine how cancer-associated microbes contribute to genetic and molecular changes in cancer cells. - Explore the role of immune responses in tumor development and progression. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and large-scale clinical data, this work will shed light on the hidden role of microbes in cancer. Ultimately, these insights could lead to novel diagnostic tools and more precise treatment strategies, opening new possibilities for cancer therapy.