How Can We Eliminate Cancer?

Cancer is a common source of human fear. In the United States alone, more than 500,000 people die from cancer each year. However, its familiarity does not make it any less terrifying. Cancer manifests itself in a variety of ways and affects various parts of the body, but the hallmark of these diseases is uncontrollable cell replication. Tumors grow and spread, destroying bodies and causing death.

The growth is caused by DNA damage. Naturally, DNA contains instructions for all bodily functions, including cell growth. Certain lifestyle factors, such as sun exposure, tobacco use, or exposure to carcinogenic chemicals, may cause this damage. According to some estimates, avoiding cancer-causing habits could prevent more than a third of cancer cases. However, lifestyle choices are only one component of the equation. Other factors also play a role. Even if they live completely healthy lives, many people inherit defective DNA from their parents and are predisposed to developing certain types of cancer.

Some scientists are skeptical that people will ever find a cure for every type of cancer due to the myriad variables and unique genetic makeup of humans. There are simply too many environmental assaults and minute bodily malfunctions to attack with a single magic bullet. The good news is that their understanding of cancer and its treatment is evolving. Every year, people learn something new about the disease. Therapies are constantly improving, reducing suffering and increasing quality of life. So, while people may never completely defeat cancer, people will continue to fight it, making people's lives better and diagnoses less frightening.