Written by Laura Jang (Korea International School '19)
━━ August 5th, 2018 ━━
What Do You Know About Cancer?
Cancer, also called malignancy, is a disease involving abnormal cell growth that may spread to other parts of the body. Unlike normal cells that stop growing or dividing at a final stage, cancer cells do not have a designated final stage, allowing them to continuously grow. There are over 100 types of cancer, including breast cancer, skin cancer, and lung cancer. The three most common cancers in men, women, and children in the U.S. are the followings:
Men: Prostate, lung, and colorectal (colon or rectum: parts of the large intestine)
Women: Breast, lung, and colorectal
Children: Leukemia (blood-forming tissues), brain tumors, and lymphoma (immune system)
Symptoms of cancer vary depending on the specific type of cancer; however, general signs can be found in patients: fatigue, weight loss, pain, skin changes, unusual bleeding, persistent cough or voice change, fever, or tissue masses.
Cancer has been a leading cause of death worldwide. According to the most recent data from WHO, 8.2 million deaths were due to cancer, and are projected to continue rising with an estimated 13.1 million deaths in 2030, which is about a 70% increase.
Treatment protocols also differ according to the type and stage of the cancer; however, most treatments include at least one of the following: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, targeting cells that grow and divide quickly. It is used to cure the cancer, control by shrinking tumors or stopping the cancer from growing and spreading, or ease symptoms caused by the cancer. More specifically, chemotherapy can be used to shrink a tumor before radiation or surgery, destroy any remaining cancer cells after radiation or surgery, or destroy cancer cells that return or spread to other parts of the body. Unlike radiation or surgery, chemotherapy does not target specific areas. Instead, it works throughout the body, sometimes risking other fast-growing healthy cells such as those of the skin, hair, intestines, and bone marrow. Radiation is often used to kill cancer cells or slow their growth by damaging their DNA at high doses. There are two types of radiation therapy: external and internal radiation therapy. External radiation therapy is the most common type of radiation therapy, where a machine directly beams radiation at the tumor with cancer. External beam radiation may shrink tumors to treat pain such as trouble breathing or loss of bowel and bladder control. Internal radiation therapy is putting radioactive substances into the body, directly into the tumor or into the area of the body.
Now, are there any home remedies or alternative treatments for cancer? No, so far, there is no good evidence that we can cure any cancers by ourselves at home. Patients are strongly recommended to see doctors for a proper treatment. However, most physicians suggest people for a balanced diet and good nutrition -for example, broccoli, grapes, ginseng, soybeans, aloe vera, and vitamins- to reduce symptoms or lower the possibility of getting cancer. Experts also suggest ways to prevent cancer, other than food. The simplest method they suggest is to stop or never start smoking tobacco. Applying less sunscreen is also recommended, as many of the chemicals and toxins may cause cancer. There are also two vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent certain types of cancer (not all). Liver cancers can be prevented by vaccines against the hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), hepatitis B virus and HPV are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancers. Sipuleucel-T is a vaccine used to extend the lifespan (not cure) of individuals with advanced prostate cancer.
Thanks to the advancement of medicine, we are now able to incorporate chemistry and science into cancer therapy, a big factor contributing to our longevity.
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Bibliography:
Charles Patrick Davis, PhD. "Cancer Causes, Types, Treatment, Symptoms & Signs." MedicineNet. N. p., 2018. Web. 17 June 2018.
"Chemistry Chat - Focusing On The Elements - Elements For The Fight Against Cancer." Tcichemicals.com. N. p., 2018. Web. 17 June 2018.
Cold, Flu & Cough et al. "Cancer." WebMD. N. p., 2018. Web. 17 June 2018.
Cold, Flu & Cough et al. "Chemotherapy: How It Works And How You’Ll Feel." WebMD. N. p., 2018. Web. 17 June 2018.
"How Is Chemotherapy Used To Treat Cancer?." Cancer.org. N. p., 2018. Web. 17 June 2018.
"Learn About Cancer | Cancer Resources | American Cancer Society." Cancer.org. N. p., 2018. Web. 17 June 2018.
"Radiation Therapy - Canadian Cancer Society." www.cancer.ca. N. p., 2018. Web. 17 June 2018.
"Radiation Therapy ." National Cancer Institute. N. p., 2018. Web. 17 June 2018.
"Radium - A Key Element In Early Cancer Treatment." Education in Chemistry. N. p., 2011. Web. 17 June 2018.
"What Is Cancer?." National Cancer Institute. N. p., 2018. Web. 17 June 2018.
Pictures:
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To contact the author, email Lauren Jang at ljjang19@student.kis.or.kr
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