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Cancer: Redefining the ‘Cure’ For Cancer.

Is there a cure for cancer? This is a very complex question. Cancer is not a single unit. It is comprised of numerous individual diseases that are formed together because of the abnormal proliferation or growth of certain cells.   Also, specific types of cancers, such as breast cancer, are made up of numerous different diseases that may require different management, although originating from the same general types of cells. Unfortunately, almost any normal process in the body can get abnormal and when that happens, we suffer from diseases.As an example, in breast cancer, there are many differences in the expression of hormone receptors and HER-2 status that require appropriate care. Testing for a variety of genetic mutations helps to direct whether some patients should be given chemotherapy or not. The extent of cancer (whether it is one small tumour as compared to many metastatic masses) has a great impact on what kind of supervision is needed.   Based on the information doctors have about cancer, it is decided whether radiation, surgery, medication or a combination of all three is appropriate. Many cancers can be cured now. These include cancers that can be completely surgically removed or killed with radiation, as well as cancers that can be wholly killed with chemotherapy, including some lymphomas and leukaemia. However, there are many cases where it is not yet possible to kill the very last cancer cell.Breast cancer can be resected, lung cancer can be surgically detached (if caught early) or even cured with an EGF receptor antagonist much later. CML can be treated with Gleevec, Gastric MALToma can be treated with antibiotics, leukaemia can be treated with bone marrow transplants, lymphomas with chemotherapy biologic treatments, colon cancer can be completely removed, squamous and basal cell and cell cancers can be removed and many other cancers can be put into remission with radiation and/or chemotherapy. In order to get a ‘cure for cancer’, we must be able to independently destroy all of the abnormal cells in every one of these possible scenarios, which is not something that is possible at the moment, although efforts are going on to treat as many of these cancers as possible in a better way. Most significantly, it is also the case that for the most part, we live in an era where we are fortunate enough to live that long to even develop cancer. Humans did not develop to live till the age of 100. In the 1850s most people died by their late 30s, owing primarily to fatal infections and other ailments. Now with plentiful food, clean water, vaccines and antibiotics, we live till our 80’s. Something ultimately has to break and unfortunately, most frequently it is our own cells.What causes concern these days is that any cancer news, especially if pitched as a ‘breakthrough’, gains outsized media play, often headlined as a potential ‘cure’. Sadly, much of this is just high-sounding hype that raises false hopes.Also Read: Is Bowel Leakage a Sign of Cancer? Unpacking Oncology-Related SymptomsIn conclusion, what we must keep in our mind is that most cancers are preventable. Prevention ultimately boils down to us, our choices. We’ve often heard about simple things anyone can do: Stop smoking and excessive drinking, eat healthy foods, get the weight below obesity levels and exercise often. This helps and that is where the hope lies in ‘Cure for cancer’.Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.