This semester in college, I decided to expand my horizons and sign up for a class called "Cancer, Mother of All Diseases." Little did I know that within two class sessions, I knew that my life was going to change with the information and knowledge that I was acquiring. Everyone is affected by cancer — whether they themselves have been diagnosed, or their loved one.
Two years ago, a 21-year-old man told me, "I do not know of anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer." And by now, even he has been affected. Cancer is a process genetic to our makeup and important for the concept of evolution. There will never be a time when cancer will be eradicated as it is a process innate to us. However, the rates of cancer incidence can be reduced through preventative measures.
There are many types of cancer and this killer term cannot be summed up in a simple sentence or two or a treatment of two as this term is an umbrella for various types. These types include colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, and so many others.
I never realized what a drastic effect this disease has had in my life until I started really examining the details. My grandmother passed away from cancer and my time with her was significantly shortened. My best friend's father passed away from cancer. My classmate passed away from cancer.
This killer disease may not be able to be stopped completely but we should take the precautions to avoid diagnosis in the first place. No one ever thinks they will hear the words, "I'm sorry, but you have cancer" however this diagnosis is quite real and happens to more people that we could fathom within the course of life.
Cancer affects everybody, especially those pursuing the medical field as one day, they will be interacting with patients who have been diagnosed and need help and support as their body turns against them. The role of the doctor when dealing with the cancer is to help the patient have a normal lifespan reducing the number of deaths that occur because of this disease.
I am very excited about the wisdom and knowledge that I am learning through this class as it is beneficial to both my future career plans as well as understanding the nature of this disease and its mechanics. There are many extra, fun classes at Arizona State University to take however three days into my semester, I already know that this class will be my favorite as the knowledge is important to understand. Despite the pain and loss that the disease has called, it is fascinating to understand the inner workings of this disease biological to us.
