magic the gathering does cancel work on a permanent?

[more98]

does cancel work on a permanent?

[Arix]

No, but it can work on a permanent spell.

[Lakepirate]

Cancel, and other counter spells, can only counter spells that have been cast but not yet resolved.

After a "permanent" spell is cast, it enters the stack and other players may respond. If the spell is not countered while it's on the stack, then the spell resolves and the permanent is put into the battlefield. Once a spell resolves and leaves the stack, it can no longer be countered. (unless of course it's bounced to your hand and played again.)