The regulation of cell death and survival pathways is essential in maintaining the balance between normal tissue homeostasis and cancer development. In cancer cells, the pathways that regulate apoptosis, or programmed cell death, are often disrupted, allowing malignant cells to evade death and continue proliferating. Beyond apoptosis, other mechanisms, such as autophagy, necroptosis, and senescence, contribute to cell survival in tumor environments. Understanding how these pathways are altered in cancer can reveal new therapeutic targets. By promoting cell death in cancer cells or enhancing the survival of healthy cells, these insights could lead to innovative treatments, offering more effective solutions for cancers that are resistant to traditional therapies.