The Evolution Of Large Mammals May Hold Keys To Cancer
websitebuilder • November 16, 2019
In theory, large animals with long life spans such as whales and elephants, should have high rates of cancer. But in fact, what we expect to see isn't what happens. Cancer occurs less frequently in these mammals than we would expect it to.
Scientists in a range of studies are comparing the genetic information of these creatures to see what it is that keeps cancer at bay. Joshua Schiffman, a pediatric oncologist at the University of Utah, says "People are smart, but nature is much smarter. Nature has figured out the solutions to some of our health problems over hundreds of millions of years of evolution."
It's important to place the conservation of animals as a high priority given not only their beauty, but also the knowledge their DNA holds.
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Alex Trebek, must loved host of Jeopardy!, has stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Earlier this month he spoke candidly about how he has been doing since he diagnosis a year ago. He also talks about how happy he is to have reached the one year survival marker, which only 18% of those who are diagnosed reach.
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When Mia Brister was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, she was only 24 years old. She was in a great place in life and couldn't believe when doctors in the emergency room told her they had found tumors in her scan.
Traditionally, it's been left to the family of a person who has died to write an obituary and create any memorial videos or mementos. But a new trend has emerged that has those who are ill creating their own videos, speeches and obituaries to be used.
"Compassion Fatigue is a term used to describe a state that is experienced by all types of caregivers, after giving to the point of exhaustion and debilitation."
Caregiving can be exhausting both mentally and physically. It can be hard to find time for a caregiver to take care of themselves, but even a few minutes can make a big difference on emotional well being.
Lea Grover and her then fiance had been engaged for less than a day when he suffered a seizure that led to the diagnosis of glioblastoma.
Many who have been diagnosed with cancer want to, or may even need to continue working during treatment. For many, this is a distinct possibility and can be made easier with some accommodations.
A beautiful piece by a caregiver reminding us that caregivers are already strong. They don't need to be told they need to 'be strong'. The inner strength it takes to care for a loved one going through cancer can't be measured in pounds or inches.