A disease spanning from 3000 BC to now-2025, has become an infamous illness seen in every hospital across the globe. While the origins of cancer are unknown, the earliest evidence of cancer has been found among fossilized bone tumors, mummies, and ancient manuscripts, evolving over the generations. The word “cancer" got its name from the Greek Physician, Hippocrates. Today, there are more than a 100 types of cancer evident and treated for.
Cancer is a disease that will always be inquired and studied about. In fact, Harvard conducted an extensive research into how cancer originates within our body and found this: “They propose that normal tissue becomes primed for cancer when oncogenes are activated and tumor suppressor genes are silenced or lost, but that cancer develops only when a cell in the tissue reverts to a more primitive, embryonic state and starts dividing. They believe this model may apply to most if not all cancers, not just melanoma” (Harvard). To break it down, an oncogene is a mutated gene that has the potential to cause cancer. When this gene is present, and the tumor suppressor genes become abundant, the oncogene starts dividing leading to cancer. Oncogenes arise from genetic mutations. Some people have differences in the code of their genes and this can cause the Oncogene in their body to be turned up all the time. This happens when a mistake is made when copying the gene during cell division. A question that enthralls the minds of many scientists across the globe is: how to prevent gene mistakes from occurring during cell division? Finding a cure that specifically targets oncogenes can help prevent gene mistakes, and fight cancerous tumors, slowing down and eliminating the dividing of these cells.
Now, let’s look at some differences between normal cells and cancer cells. Normal cells only grow when they get a signal to do so. Cancer cells, however, grow without a signal. Cancer cells tell the blood vessels to grow towards the tumor. These blood vessels then supply tumors with oxygen and nutrients. Cancer cells trick the immune system into helping cancer cells stay alive and grow, protect the tumor, and make energy from nutrients in a different way resulting in
the rapid growth of these cells. That is why checkpoint inhibitions are in place which are responsible for blocking interactions with immune cells. Cancer tumors are like an animal relying on nutrients in order to spread and grow. When it is deprived of key nutrients, such as food, the tumor starves.
Asymptomatic cancers are cancers that don’t always show symptoms which means there are no signs of it. This is because cancer starts off small and then slowly progresses. Every tumor is not always cancerous. Some can be benign. A biopsy is conducted to check if a tumor is benign or cancerous. It is said that by the year 2040, the number of cancer cases worldwide is expected to rise to 29.9 million and the number of cancer related deaths will rise to 15.3 million
(cancer .gov). Cancer is said to be the highest in countries with the highest life expectancy, education level, and standard of living but it is not just caused by one factor, as discussed above.
The picture above represents and gives a visual of the normal process of cell development versus the process of abnormal cell growth which is considered cancerous.
Although there are no specific cures for cancer, there are ways you can prevent the likelihood of contracting cancer:
● Stop Smoking
● Eat Well
● Have a Healthy Body Weight
● Be Sun Safe
● Get 30 min of physical activity everyday
Cancer is a disease that has reached the hearts of many countries. It is a prominent disease seen in every hospital. As the disease develops and spreads, it is crucial to understanding the process of cancer especially since it is an important disease seen in our society. Let’s come together and spread awareness to prominent diseases like cancer. Together, we can make a difference!
Sources:
Works Cited
National Cancer Institute. “Cancer Statistics.” National Cancer Institute, 9 May 2024, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.
“What Is Cancer?” National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 2021, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.
“A Cancer’s Surprise Origins, Caught in Action.” Hsci.harvard.edu hsci.harvard.edu/news/cancers-surprise-origins-caught-action.
