The Complicated Biology of Breast Cancer - 977 Words

After hearing your concerns about breast cancer, I decided to use my knowledge and research to guide you through the more complicated biological side of breast cancer. Within this letter I hope to better your understanding of cancer, especially breast cancer. Its the causes, pros and cons of genetic testing, and my recommendations for you and your daughters. I will also discuss the controversial decision of actress Angelina Jolie. Cancer is a term used to describe diseases that include abnormal cell division, which means that cells don’t die when they’re programmed to and replicate without control. In a healthy body, the creation, growth, and death of a cell is controlled through the body’s natural processes, called apoptosis. When these systems are unable to maintain control, cancer occurs and there is more cell replication than death (Phelan). The different types of cancer are usually referred to by the type of organ where cells have begun to replicate without control. For example, breast cancer is the type of cancer that affects cells within the breast tissue (The National Cancer Institute). Breast cancer can be inherited or occur by chance within cells. Within cells there are genes, pieces of DNA that hold genetic information and instructions for how to make the proteins the body needs to function correctly. Genes have two main roles when it comes to cancer. Some, genes, oncogenes, cause cancer, while other genes, tumor suppressors, are supposed to stop cancer fromShow MoreRelated Soy Protein: Can It Really Prevent Cancer? Essay974 Words   |  4 PagesSoy Protein: Can It Really Prevent Cancer? Society possesses a natural fear of the disease cancer. Even though this term is common, uncertainty surrounds its meaning. What exactly is cancer? A simple definition for a complicated disease is this: abnormal cell growth. Cancer can develop in just about any part of the body, and as abnormal cells grow, they crowd and destroy healthy tissue. This disease is not infectious, for if it were, a vaccination would have probably been developedRead MoreCancer Literature Review1462 Words   |  6 Pagesis based on the Genome-wide association studies of cancer, or GWAS. GWAS is an approach to research the genetic basis of different diseases. For example, with oncology, GWAS was performed and able to identify approximately 450 genetic variants that are related to the risks, as well as provided proof of polygenic susceptibility. This review targeted on the functional basis and gene structure of cancer susceptibility. Regarding cancer, there’s a pattern of relative risk or RR, that’s highRead MoreD1029 Words   |  5 Pagesexpression of more than one genes in a network of differential complicated signaling pathways, consisting of many physical and functional interactions.Unlike the stable genome structure, the dynamic represents a major challenge for quantitative mapping of protein interactions .The intracellular signal transduction involves the 2 complicated working networks of interacting cytoplasmic signaling pathways and an even more complicated circuit, such as functional interactions rather than contact betweenRead MoreNew Drugs For Breast Cancer Treatment Essay1382 Words   |  6 Pageswithout affecting host body cells. Cancer chemotherapeutic agents New Drugs for Breast Cancer Treatment: 1. Herceptin: ïÆ' ¼ Type of drug: Monoclonal antibody A class of drugs developed to work alone or together with chemotherapy to seek out and attack specific cancer cells. ïÆ' ¼ Mechanism: Herceptin attaches itself to a protein called HER2 that is found on the surface of 20 to 25 percent of breast cancers. HER2 stimulates cell growth and prevents breast cancer cell death. When Herceptin binds toRead MoreThe Ins and Outs of Cancer Essay634 Words   |  3 PagesThe Ins and Outs of Cancer Cancer has affected the lives of each and every one of us alive today. Many people have know someone with cancer, yet even those who havent have been bombarded with constant reminders of its terrible threat. Although cancer is often referred to as a single condition, it actually consists of more than 100 different diseases, all characterized by the uncontrolled growth, reproduction, and spread of abnormal body cells. All of these diseases are individually uniqueRead MoreAn Expert And A Disciple For An Extended Period1663 Words   |  7 Pagesis a branch of science that deals with the physical world including but not limited to biology and is one area of knowledge that causes disagreements between experts. Therefore, a situation dealing with the biological makeup of a woman and the ways that a breast functions falls under the natural science area of knowledge. There are vast amounts of information from different sources about many aspects of biology which is accessible to any expe rt in the medical field. Therefore, an understanding ofRead MoreCancer : Cancer And Cancer1673 Words   |  7 PagesCancer Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with approximately 14 million new cases in 2012.2 The amount of new cases is expected to rise by about 70% over the next 2 decades. Cancer which causes nearly 1 in 6 deaths, is the second leading cause of death globally, and was responsible for 8.8 million deaths in 2015. Approximately 70% of deaths from cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries. In 2012 about 14.1 million new cases of cancer occurred globallyRead MoreThe Most Vital Functions Of The Nervous System1233 Words   |  5 Pagesexpensive public health condition with annual cost to society exceeding that of combined costs of diabetes, cancer, and heart diseases. Then, we have set of diseases that follow chronic pain. This includes, but not limited to, depression, stress related disorders and diseases caused due to immobility. Regrettably, chronic is usually co-morbid with other conditions like diabetes and cancer, and its incidence increases w ith age. Hence, if left unchecked, all we can expect is a steady rise in its prevalenceRead MoreDark Life by Ray Taylor1704 Words   |  7 PagesThis alone questions everything the standard definition of life states. However, one may question, â€Å"what qualifies Taylor to do such a thing?† Michael Taylor is a writer. One may now declare that a writer has no knowledge of microbiology, or any biology for that matter, and is in no way shape or form qualified to write a book about said topics. One would be wrong. Taylor has written for the National Geographic Traveler and the website of the Discovery Channel. He has also consulted on documentariesRead MoreAnalysis Of The Film Forks Over Knives880 Words   |  4 Pagesdiabetes type two are now commonly seen in children. One reason for this being the fast paced life of Americans, developed after WWII, produced convenience food, rich with processed sugars and fried meat. What was supposed to make life simpler soon complicated it with unimaginable side effects. The sicker the U.S becomes the more pills are prescribed. Unfortunately, none of these treatments are quite as effective as hoped to be. However, there is one solution that may be able to reduce health diseases;