Why Haven't Scientists Found a Cure for Cancer?
In 1971, then-President Richard Nixon declared that a cure for cancer would be discovered by 1976, the date of the nation's Bicentennial. Of course, that date came and went without a cure for cancer. In fact, the death rate for most types of cancer has scarcely changed during that 40 year period. There are several reasons why a cure for cancer has been so elusive and will likely remain elusive for the foreseeable future.
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What is Cancer?
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Cancer occurs when the normal cycle of cell reproduction and death is disrupted. Instead of the normal progression of division, growth and eventual death, cancer cells grow at an abnormal rate and eventually invade healthy tissue. This abnormal growth and invasion of healthy tissues results from damage to the DNA of cells.
Multiple Causes of Cancer
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The DNA damage that results in cancer may be genetically caused or the result of environmental factors or personal circumstances. Multiple causes for cancer present a major complicating factor in seeking a cure. Additionally, genetic and environmental factors often interact in causing cancer.
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Lack of Absolute Cause and Effect Relationship
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Even with recognized carcinogens, substances or circumstances which are known to cause cancer, there is no absolute relationship between exposure and contracting the disease. For instance, many heavy smokers never contract cancer. On the other hand, nonsmokers, like Dana Reeve, wife of Christopher Reeve, have died from the disease.
Cancer Research
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The nature of cancer research may also play a part in why no cure has been discovered for cancer. Research tends to center around treatments with measurable results, even if the lives of the patients involved are extended only for a few weeks as a result of treatment. Innovative treatments are viewed as more risky, and as a result attract fewer research dollars.
Cancer Prevention and Cure
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Progress has been made in cancer treatment. For instance, a vaccine has been developed which can prevent many strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes genital warts and sometimes leads to cervical cancer. Many childhood cancers can be effectively cured; the same is true for testicular cancer.
Reducing Cancer Risk
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Science has discovered a number ways to reduce the risk of cancer, such as avoiding obesity, wearing sunscreen and not smoking. Early detection has improved life expectancy for many cancer patients because cancer which is detected before it has spread is much easier to treat. Many known carcinogens, such as ingredients included in hair dyes manufactured before 1980, have also been eliminated.
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