The Journal of Cancer Research (JCR) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of scientific integrity, transparency, and fairness in the evaluation of submitted manuscripts. To achieve this, the journal follows a rigorous double-blind peer review process, where both the authors and reviewers remain anonymous to each other.

✦ Overview of the Process:

1. Initial Editorial Screening
   • All manuscripts are first assessed by the Editor-in-Chief or a designated Section Editor.
   • Submissions are evaluated for scope relevance, originality, quality of writing, and compliance with author guidelines.
   • Manuscripts that fail to meet basic standards may be returned to authors without external review.
2. Assignment to Reviewers
   • Suitable manuscripts are assigned to at least two independent reviewers with expertise in the relevant field of cancer research.
   • Reviewers are carefully selected to avoid conflicts of interest and to ensure subject-matter expertise.
3. Double-Blind Review
   • Both author and reviewer identities are kept confidential.
   • Reviewers assess the manuscript based on originality, scientific rigor, clarity, relevance, and ethical standards.
   • Constructive, respectful, and detailed feedback is expected.
4. Review Reports
   • Reviewers provide a structured report highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations for improvement.
   • A final recommendation is made:
     • Accept
     • Minor Revision
     • Major Revision
     • Reject
5. Editorial Decision
   • The handling editor considers reviewer reports along with their own assessment.
   • The editor may seek additional reviews if needed.
   • The final decision (acceptance, revision, or rejection) is communicated clearly to the authors with constructive feedback.
6. Revision and Resubmission
   • Authors are invited to revise and resubmit if recommended.
   • Revised manuscripts are re-evaluated by the original reviewers (when possible) to ensure that concerns have been addressed.
7. Final Acceptance
   • Once revisions meet scientific and editorial standards, the manuscript is accepted for publication.
   • Accepted articles undergo copyediting, typesetting, and proofreading before online publication.

⏳ Timelines:

The journal strives to ensure a fair yet efficient review process:

• Initial Decision: within 2-3 days
• Peer Review Completion: 14-21 days
• Final Decision Post-Revisions: 5-7 days
• Online Publication: within 7–10 days of acceptance

✦ Ethical Standards in Peer Review:

• The journal follows the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
• Any concerns regarding plagiarism, data fabrication, image manipulation, or ethical misconduct raised by reviewers are thoroughly investigated.
• Confidentiality of all submissions is strictly maintained throughout the review process.

✦ Recognition of Reviewers:

The contributions of reviewers are highly valued. JCR recognizes reviewer efforts through:

• Formal acknowledgment certificates. 
• Opportunities to join the Editorial Board.
• Annual recognition of outstanding reviewers by SCICONX Publishing.

Through this transparent and rigorous peer review system, the Journal of Cancer Research ensures that only high-quality, reliable, and impactful research is published to advance the global fight against cancer.