A brief look at cancer By Staff Writer Pramukh Atluri Roughly 7.2 million people die from cancer every year, and this number steadily rises. As the second leading cause of death in the United States, cancer has kept scientists on their toes in search for an unknown cure. To further appreciate the research put into stopping this killer, we must first understand the background story of what makes this disease so baleful. A cancer occurs when a group of cells grows uncontrollably because of a mutation in a DNA sequence. The rapidly reproducing cells intrude into surrounding tissue and around the body, which results in the destruction of various bodily functions and tissues. Cancer is mainly caused by environmental factors although genetics can partially influence its presence, such as: tobacco use, poor diet and obesity, radiation, infection, and environmental pollutants. Cell reproduction is an extraordinarily complex process, and these environmental elements enhance the abnormalities within the cells’ genetic material. Although cancer can initially resemble a tumor, it is most often diagnosed by blood tests. Due to the number of citizens who do not receive regular tests, cancer is often found in later and more advanced stages where it is more malignant and relentless. Even though there is no actual cure for cancer, chemotherapy, a combination of drugs into a standardized treatment, is used as the known treatment. It
acts by destroying cancer cells that rapidly divide, which is the one of the main properties of the cells. The drawback is that other cells in the
ferent manner. Instead of having physicians focus on destroying the tumor, using genetargeted treatments should improve not only chemotherapy but also survival rates; the only problem with this is
body, such as in the bone marrow and hair follicles, are also affected since the cells rapidly divide but under normal circumstances, and this leads to common side effects like hair loss and a decreased output of blood cells. This heavy compromise leaves many patients feeling shamed and as if they were a different individual to not only others but also themselves. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that patients with advanced cancer who are concerned with their careers and knowing accurately how long they have left to live are now able to see whether they have days, weeks, or months. New lab scores are able to forecast a score which comprehends into a fairly accurate number of days (0-13, 14-55, or 55+). Also, other studies emphasize the need for cancer to be treated in a completely dif-
that the treatment does not prevent cancer from reoccurring. Even though there hasn’t been a discovery of a profound cure, preventive measures can be taken to limit the chance of cancer occurring. Some of these include staying away from smokers and alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet such as fruits and vegetables while staying away from saturated fats, and taking cancer screenings regularly to catch the disease in its early stages. As scientists and researchers continue their arduous work toward an ever evasive goal, scientific advancement has made the possibility of victory grow closer and closer in the fight against cancer.
Head Photographer Halbert Bai captures the double sunset phenomenon in this photo illustration. First depicted in Star Wars, the double sunset has become a more realistic possibility with scientists’ recent discovery of the planet Kepler-16b. For further information, see Astronomy Editor Reid Weisberg’s article Star Lores on page 9.
20