...the case with cancer. More and more people die everyday from cancer and it appears to ruin the lives of all those associated with it. What people need to understand though is yes cancer is a life altering chain of events but cancer is not the end of the world. Death is inevitable; there is no way around it. Perhaps cancer patients realize this more than anyone. “All creatures born upon this earth must, in the end, die. Some live long and peaceful lives. But others are caught up in struggles—must fight for their lives” (Silverstein 12-13). This is the case with cancer. Cancer patients will struggle and fight for their lives and not have the luxury of dying peacefully. The cause of cancer is still unknown to scientists but they have been able to come up with some possible explanations. Cancer affects newborn babies, boys, girls, women, men, animals and even plants. The possible causes of the cancers that affect each of these groups include chemicals in the body, viruses, ultraviolet rays, smoking, and it has been proven to be hereditary in some cases. Many people who develop cancer have had repeated or prolonged contact with one or more of these cancer causing agents (Silverstein 27). With the many different types of cancer it may, for some people, seem impossible for scientists to discover a cure. Skeweris 2 There are more than one hundred known types of cancer. Scientists are sure there are many more they just have not yet been diagnosed. The cancers that are most...
Words: 2003 - Pages: 9
...Cancer is the second-leading cause of death and disability in the world, behind heart disease, according to the American Cancer Society. Medical research is needed to help fight cancer so cancer patients can live longer and happier, lives. The only way to uncover new treatments for cancer is to continue to invest in the work of scientists and physicians who have already helped in this field so far. The American Cancer society strives to eliminate cancer by extensive research and provides knowledge worldwide about cancer. Research shows that cancer has the most devastating economic impact of any cause of death in the world. More people die from cancer every year around the world than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. Cancer is a global challenge. . Investment in research through the American Cancer Society (ACS) drives new and better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer. The five-year survival rate for all adult cancers combined is 68 percent; an increase of 18 percent since 1975. During the past 30 years, 153 new FDA-approved medical advances were discovered through research carried out in a federally funded lab or institution. Forty of those innovations were new therapies for cancer. Investing in cancer research not only saves lives but also, the progress against cancer will yield dramatic savings. (ACS) According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer costs are projected to reach at least $158 billion in 2020. The (NCI) states that the projections were based...
Words: 737 - Pages: 3
...Cancer Bianca Cain 1/26/2014 “Most people fear the word cancer and the diagnosis”. “Cancer is often thought of as untreatable and painful illness”. The earlier you can catch the cancer the faster you can eliminate it. The truth is there are so many different types of cancer in the world and they all carry different symptoms. “Cancer is a disease that may be curable and preventable”, but it should be taken very seriously. Understanding cancer and what it means, how we should prevent it and the different types of treatments for cancer is very important. Cancer is caused by an uncontrolled group of abnormal cells in the part of the body. When a person has cancer it’s a lot on their body because it can affect some of the organs. A cancer cell continues to grow their whole lives and accumulates in one place. Whether we know it or not we all have cancer in our bodies, but it doesn’t show unless it’s trigger. Our cells multiply and divide when our bodies need them too, if our body doesn’t need the cells to do this, it may cause tumors. There are two forms of tumors which are called benign and malignant. Benign is known to be a non-cancerous tumor while malignant is cancerous. Benign tumors are usually not life threating and it doesn’t spread, but they can be removed if possible. Malignant tumors have the ability to spread throughout cells and other tissues, which causes cancer to spread. “Cancerous cells can break free from the malignant tumors and get into the bloodstream,...
Words: 1523 - Pages: 7
...How cancer starts How cancer starts Doctors and scientists now know that each cancer starts with changes in one cell or a small group of cells. Usually, many years before you can feel a lump, or a doctor can see it on a scan, the cells have started to reproduce uncontrollably. You can see from the differences between normal cells and cancer cells that the cancer cell seems to lose a number of vital control systems. This happens because some of the genes in the cell have been damaged or lost. Scientists call this 'mutation'. Genes and mutation Genes are coded messages inside a cell that tell it how to behave. The genes are codes that tell the cell how to make many different proteins. One gene 'codes' for one protein. Proteins are the building blocks that make up a cell. Some proteins act as 'on and off switches' that help to control how a cell behaves. For example, a hormone signal acts on a protein in or on the cell. The protein then sends a signal down a chain of switches. The final signal tells the cell to reproduce by dividing into two. Mutation means that a gene has been damaged or lost. A mutation may mean that too much protein is made. Or that a protein is not made at all. For example, a signalling protein may be permanently switched on. Other proteins, whose job is to control and limit cell division, may be permanently switched off. Something that damages a cell and makes it more likely to be cancerous is called a 'carcinogen'. For example, there are carcinogens...
Words: 3302 - Pages: 14
...Cancer nowadays is very widespread. With all of the available information on cancer, it is still one of the leading causes of death in the USA. Since the 21st century, over 12 million new cancer cases were diagnosed worldwide each year. Within this diagnosis, many realized that cancer is a major cause of sickness and death worldwide. However, according to research “it has been known since antiquity, significant improvements in cancer treatment have been made since the middle of the 20th century, mainly through a combination of timely and accurate diagnosis, selective surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapeutic drugs. Such advances actually have brought about a decrease in cancer deaths (at least in developed countries), and grounds for further optimism are seen in laboratory investigations into elucidating the causes and mechanisms of the disease.”(Costa, 2014) Medically, cancer is known as a malignant neoplasm. It is when cells divide and grow uncontrollably forming malignant tumors that invade nearby parts of the body. According to a cancer survivor, cancer can also spread through the lymphatic system or bloodstream and develop in more distant parts of the body. However, not all tumors are cancerous. Benign tumors although abnormal, they do not grow uncontrollably, invade neighboring tissues, and do not spread throughout the body. According to research, there are many different kinds of cancers. Cancer can almost develop in any organ or tissue, such as the...
Words: 1321 - Pages: 6
...one of the health risk assessments located on the LRC website. After completing the assessment, write a 500- to 750-word summary that includes the following: Cancer: Cancer is not just one disease. It is a group of diseases that are only in common by the uncontrolled growth of cells. This is known as a tumor. The cells of a benign tumor do not spread beyond their initial location. Cancer is diagnosed when a tumor is found to be malignant and thus has the potential to spread. As we know cancer is a major cause of death and disability in the US. Over 20% of all deaths are caused by some sort of cancer. Although in younger ages the percentage can be higher. Risk Factors: There are some risk factors for cancer that you cannot avoid. Like genetics or family history, environmental exposers or behaviors that occurred in the past. There are some that you can control such as, you can control your current and future behavior, including diet and exercise, and you’re current and future environmental exposures, such as tobacco smoke or other chemicals. You have to remember that having one of a few of these risk factors does not mean that you are going to get cancer and avoiding these risk factors does not ensure that you are healthy. But avoiding these factors does certainly affect your odds. The best defense against cancer to avoid getting it in the first place. This is why risk factors are so important. By you identifying which...
Words: 649 - Pages: 3
...Cancer Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells. Causes, Incidence, and Risk factors Cells are the building blocks of living things. Cancer grows out of normal cells in the body. Normal cells multiply when the body needs them, and die when the body doesn't need them. Cancer appears to occur when the growth of cells in the body is out of control and cells divide too quickly. It can also occur when cells forget how to die. There are many different kinds of cancers. Cancer can develop in almost any organ or tissue, such as the lung, colon, breast, skin, bones, or nerve tissue. There are many causes of cancers, including: * Benzene and other chemicals * Drinking excess alcohol * Environmental toxins, such as certain poisonous mushrooms and a type of poison that can grow on peanut plants (aflatoxins) * Excessive sunlight exposure * Genetic problems * Obesity * Radiation * Viruses However, the cause of many cancers remains unknown. The most common cause of cancer-related death is lung cancer. Some cancers are more common in certain parts of the world. For example, in Japan, there are many cases of stomach cancer, but in the United States, this type of cancer is pretty rare. Differences in diet may play a role. Some other types of cancers include: * Brain cancer * Cervical cancer * Hodgkin's lymphoma * Kidney cancer * Leukemia * Liver cancer ...
Words: 1075 - Pages: 5
...Breakdown of Cancer Breakdown of Cancer Cancer is introduced when a single mutated cell begins to reproduce abnormally. According to Lee Copstead and Jacquelyn Banasik, cancer is a malignant neoplasm or new uncontrolled growth of invasive cells. Cancer begins when cells break from normal cell division that follows its own path. This is known as proliferation, which is abnormal cell division. According to (Copstead & Banasik, 2010) cancer develops when proto-oncogenes become inappropriately activated and this change is due to mutation in the cell’s (deoxyribonucleic acid) DNA. Furthermore, cancer is an out of control cell growth. For a patient to receive an accurate diagnosis of cancer a through history and physical examination has to be done. There are many tests necessary to diagnosis cancer. According to Copstead & Banasik, 2010) the definitive diagnosis of cancer is a positive cytological or histological result. Cytological is the microscopic finding of pathological cells. This can be done by aspiration or exfoliate. Whereas histological is the examination of cells by staining and examining sections of tissue. Other diagnostic tests, such as imaging, chest radiography, computed tomography (CT scan), mammography, or (positron emission tomography) PET scan. There are numerous laboratory test that can aid in the diagnosis of cancer. Urinalysis is used detect blood or hematuria that could be an indicator for bladder cancer. Tumor markers are substances...
Words: 1452 - Pages: 6
...Cancer is as a disease when cells divide uncontrollably, involving unregulated cell growth. Ever cell in your body contains DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) every DNA contains information about how to grow and what kind of cell it is. When DNA gets damaged it fixes itself with creating new strands but if it’s damaged beyond repaire it dies out. Some times the damaged DNA does not die but continue to multiply and make new copies even though that its damaged and not needed anymore. This Damaged cell leads to the malformations called as mutation. This mutation is further grown uncontrollably causing tumors in the body and is slowly spread into other parts of the body. If untreated can cause death. There are many causes of cancers such as Benzene and other chemicals, toxins, drinking excess alcohol, Excessive sunlight exposure, Genetic problems, obesity , viruses, radiations, Workplace Carcinogens The statistics shows that An estimated 186,400 new cases of cancer (excluding about 81,300 non-melanoma skin cancers) and 75,700 deaths will occur in Canada in 2012. In 2007, cancer surpassed cardiovascular disease (heart and cerebrovascular) as the leading cause of death in Canada. In 2012 approximately 88.800 Canadian women will be diagnosed with cancer, and an estimated 36,200 women will die of cancer. Approximately 97,600 Canadian men will be diagnosed with cancer, and an estimated 39,500 men will die. Further more a staggering statistics shows that an estimated 2 out of 5 Canadians...
Words: 611 - Pages: 3
...NEW TREATMENTS FOR CANCER A new revolution for cancer therapy has been created which is called “molecularly targeted therapy”. Since most drugs kill healthy cells along with cancer cells and cause serious side effects, this therapy will only kill the cancer cells of a specific cancer type. They are designed at the molecular level of the cell and are also able to identify specific molecules that are unique to specific cancers. One of the most eligible drug is called glivec, (also known as STI571) actively effecting a form of leukemia called chronic myeloid leukemia that causes excess overproduction of white blood cells. Moreover, in a case study it is reported that a gastroiestional stromal tumor was treated with STI571 and resulted in a significant reduction of the tumor. As this therapy promises the health of the patient, it also has some negative impacts and some limitations. Since this drug is specific to a small amount of molecules, it is not relevant to a large amount of tumors, meaning it is very limited in its application. Furthermore, the patients may experience diarrhea and liver problems such as hepatitis and elevated liver enzymes. All in all, molecularly targeted therapies hold the promise of harming fewer cells, reducing side effects and assuring a healthier life. Another new advancement in cancer treatments is called “immunotherapy”. This therapy is developed to enhance the immune system to fight cancer, reducing all severe side effects. The t- cells protect...
Words: 437 - Pages: 2
...Cancer is a disease that begins in the cells of the body. In normal situations, the cells grow and divide as the body needs them. No more, no less. This orderly process is disturbed when new cells form that the body were not needed and old cells don't die when they should. These extra cells lump together to form a growth or tumor. Understanding tumors Two types of tumors exist, benign and malignant. Benign tumors are not cancerous. They can usually be removed and generally don't grow back once they're gone. The cells in benign tumors don't spread and it is rare for a benign tumor to be life-threatening. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, are cancerous. The cells in them are abnormal and divide randomly and chaotically. The cells behave aggressively and attack the tissue around them. They also can jump away from the malignant tumor and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system to form new tumors in other parts of the body. This type of spread is known as metastasis. Types of cancer There are virtually dozens of different cancer types. The most common in the US is a non-melanoma skin cancer. Close to one million new cases of it were reported in the US in 2005. Breast, lung and prostate cancer also are very common. Effects of cancer A cancer diagnosis permanently changes your life -- sometimes surprisingly for the better and other times with dire consequences. You are suddenly faced with hundreds of decisions, from choosing a doctor, to considering different treatments...
Words: 331 - Pages: 2
...Losing Someone to Cancer In Emily Dickinson’s poem, “accustomed to the dark”, she describes going through hard times when losing a special person and knowing everything will be okay as things “Adjust itself to midnight and life steps almost straight.” She sets up a situation where losing someone to a life threatening situation or a disaster. It’s easier to ignore the truth and live in fear but once we get over our doubts, though it’s difficult we can change the darkness to light. We can live in truth and in goodness but it is scary, suffer through much and sometimes there are consequences but living the right way in truth without fear is worth the journey of getting there. It all began in July 2005 when she was 45 years old. I remember walking in the front door after school and seeing my aunt crying. I was completely shocked, as I had never seen her cry before. She then sat me down and explained to me that she had a number of tumors. At first this didn’t mean much to me as I was too young to understand the extent of her illness, but as time went on I slowly began to understand. “A moment we uncertain step for newness of the night.” As time passed she became quite sick, and was soon transferred to a hospital. Sadly a few years after that, she passed away after putting up a strong fight for just over 15 months. It took me a while to come to terms with my aunt’s death; however the support given to me from my friends and family helped me tremendously. For the following months...
Words: 919 - Pages: 4
...Definition of Cancer The Webster’s Dictionary defines cancer as an : uncontrolled, growing mass of cells that is capable of invading neighboring tissues and spreading via body fluids, especially the blood stream, to other parts of the body, also called a malignant tumor. Cancers Effect on Our Bodies Cancer is a disease that is caused by uncontrolled cell division leading to abnormal tissue growth. It is believed that cancer can arise from both genetic (e.g. DNA mutation and hereditarianism like breast or ovarian cancer) and environmental factors (e.g. working with and breathing in chemicals, benzene, asbestos, and not limiting one’s exposure to the sun, or eating a healthy diet, etc.), which can lead to abnormal growth of our bodies different cells. Cell multiplication otherwise known as proliferation, is a normal physical process that occurs in our bodies. These cells can be in charge of our immune systems response, replacing cells that have died or have been shed as a part of their lifecycle (e.g. such as our skin or mucous membranes in our digestive tract) and are responsible for allowing us to grow and age properly. Normally, the balance between proliferation and cell death otherwise known as apoptosis is a tightly regulated system that has been put in place to ensure the integrity of our body’s organs and tissues. The uncontrolled and often rapid proliferation of cells can lead to two different types of cancer, which are known as benign and malignant tumors. Benign...
Words: 1635 - Pages: 7
...Cancer is a tumor found to have abnormal blood cells at an uncontrollable growth. Cancer is diagnosed when a tumor is found to be malignant because it may later spread to other areas of the body. There are four different types of cancer which are able to be screened cervical cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer. All are effective health screenings which can give you an advantage into talking over the probable diseases with your doctor to eliminate many of the risks as possible. Risk factors are the chances in getting the particular type of disease yet all of them are not for sure if depending on age or family history or just because of our health state throughout life itself. Genetic and environmental exposures are probable causes to these types of disease causing the cancer. Smoking cigarettes, eating habits, chemicals exposed, and environmental factors are all part of the future risk factors. Cervical cancer is highly important information every woman should partake as the years go by because it is much more common and serious then many are aware of. Cervical cancer should start getting screened by each individual woman who has ever been sexually active. Self help classes are available for support on smoking which is one of the modifiable risk factors to cervical cancer. It is said that smoking can increase the causes of cervical, lung, bladder, kidney, pancreatic, lip, mouth, tongue, larynx, throat and esophagus cancer. That is unbelievable! The multiple...
Words: 527 - Pages: 3
...One in every three persons will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime. However, up to 70 per cent of cancers can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle, proper diet, sport and exercise and the avoidance of risk factors such as over-exposure to the sun and tobacco use. Despite the possible escape from this terminal disease, however, many individuals carry on through life with the common mentality of "it's not going to happen to me." Such was the case of 55-year-old cancer survivor Violet Galloway, a Canadian woman, before she was diagnosed with breast cancer almost 10 years ago. "Before my diagnosis, it was just pie in the sky," remarks Galloway. "Something happened to somebody else, that was somebody else's problem and I had no association with it. " Her world changed drastically in 1994. "It was a huge shock when they told me because it hadn't been in my family at all," she recalls of the ordeal. "My first reaction was one of disbelief, and then I just assumed I was going to die." Galloway is not the first individual to assume the worst. Many are unaware that people live through cancer and that diagnosis is not necessarily a death sentence. Galloway recalls the day she was diagnosed, and how she found immediate support from the Canadian Cancer Society. "My doctor told me that there was a 'Reach to Recovery' support group, so I phoned and found out that they were meeting that night," she explains. "I grabbed my husband by the hand and we went to the...
Words: 412 - Pages: 2
