Cancer

I'm going to conclude talking about cancer. Cancer is one of the most common diseases in the world and can be very devastating. Why talk about cancer in an Understanding DNA course? Well, because everything is DNA based. Cancer results from a mutation in DNA. Certain genes or segments of DNA code for proteins that are necessary in regulating the cell cycle. In other words these proteins determine whether or not a cell will continue with DNA replication and cell division. Usually our cells are pretty good at halting a cell from replicating and dividing if there are mutations in the DNA, but if the DNA alters the proteins that are in charge of that, uncontrolled growth can occur. This of course results in tumors.
It's rather interesting, isn't it. There are so many different cases and factors with cancer. Probably too many differences and too much detail to go into. One thing that I think is pretty easy to understand is usually two or more mutations must occur in order for cancer to result.
There is so much research going on to try to better understand cancer. There are many types of cancer, but there are many treatments and medicines for cancer as well. This is a disease that has a long way to go. Most all lives are involved with some type of cancer. In fortunate cases lives are saved. All I can say is that I'm so thankful for the gospel in my life to assure this life is not the end!