This is one of the more straightforward and academic articles that I've posted, but I think it provides a useful frame of reference when talking about cancer. Written by two very prominent cancer researchers, it provides an overview of the progress that has been made in cancer research over the last two centuries. The burden of cancer on our society is still significant, and it is not uncommon to hear people wonder why we haven't yet found "the cure." While there is always room for improvement in the quality, cost-effectiveness, and application of research, this article points out the enormity of the challenges of cancer research and the tremendous advances that have been made in the field. It also previews the new directions for research in the coming years.
"Two Hundred Years of Cancer Research" by Vincent DeVita and Steven Rosenberg
Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, June 7, 2012
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra1204479?query=featured_home&&
Eric
Very general question: where did the word 'cancer' come from and how did it come to represent so many different forms of the disease?
ReplyDeleteAccording to the American Cancer Society, who in general I think has reputable information, it has Greek origins:
Deletehttp://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerBasics/TheHistoryofCancer/the-history-of-cancer-what-is-cancer
Eric
Thanks!
DeleteWow - Aspirin prevents colon cancer.
DeleteI think they worded things a bit strongly in that article -- I think "helps reduce the risk of colorectal cancer" would probably have been more accurate. But aspirin is a very interesting issue -- see this article from the NCI Cancer Bulletin about benefits and risks: http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/012511/page5
ReplyDeleteEric