Mapping Cancer Markers is a sub project of World Community Grid,a scientific research initiative from the Krembil Institute which uses the computers of volunteers to better understand and eventually develop treatments for lung and other types of cancer. Anybody with a computer can help them process data, no need to have a biochem or computer science degree.

If you're interested in contributing your computer's spare processing power, join us at /r/BOINC4Science. It can be configured to run only when your computer is otherwise idle, so it doesn't slow down your machine.