What is Cancer Anyways?

Cancer is a disease caused by uncontrollable cell division. As humans, our cells divide every single day, because we are always growing. When they grow at a rate that cannot be controlled, the cells can exit the cell cycle unchecked, forming tumors that grow and spread to other parts of the body if not maintained. The age at which cancer develops can vary, and different types of cancer may have different risk factors and patterns of occurrence. In some cases, cancer can develop in young individuals due to genetic mutations inherited from their parents or as a result of other environmental factors. Middle-aged and older individuals may be at higher risk due to the cumulative effects of environmental exposures and the natural aging process, which can increase the likelihood of genetic mutations.

Cancer Biology

There are over 200 types of cancers, which can be classified by the parts of the body they affect (e.g. breast cancer, lung cancer). Cancer can stem from a variety of issues; including genetic mutations, lifestyle, and environmental exposures. These issues can create defects in cells, leading to uncontrolled cell division and tumor growth. Cancer can be treated with chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and other treatments depending on the type of cancer and the patient's individual situation. In many cases, researchers have come up with therapies by suppressing or inhibiting pathways or proteins to stop the proliferation of cancer. For example, BRAF is a protein that plays a role in the proliferation of cancer once it is mutated. A mutation within BRAF stops the protein from working correctly, and signals cells to divide uncontrollably, leading to the formation of a tumor. Despite this, researchers have come up with a way to block mutated versions of BRAF, that work to block the BRAF proteins and can stop cancer cells from growing.

So What's The Cure?

Unfortunately, there are too many kinds of cancers with an abundance of mutations for there to just be one cure for cancer. Researchers work tirelessly day in and day out to come up with different immunotherapies, vaccines, and treatments to defeat cancer. It is an expensive and difficult process, but we hope to live in a world where a cancer diagnosis is equal to that of a common treatable illness. We as scientists aim for a future with accessible and advanced medical interventions that ensure everyone has a fair chance at a healthy and fulfilling life. At the end of the day, cancer is much easier to prevent, than it is to cure.