Originally posted by incog
I seriously think cancer is a virus that attacks the DNA in a cell and caused the code to be disrupted. Many many members of my family seem to pass
cancer sexually. It seems to make sense since they call AIDS the gay cancer.
Anyway, in all cases, when one Aunt or Uncle gets cancer the other one comes down with it. I suspect it can be passed in the male seman. One of my
Aunts got breast cancer after her husband died of colon cancer. Another aunt came down with breast cancer after her husband had it. A third
developed deadly lymphoma after her husband got cancer. Many of my other aunts seem to "catch" Uterine cancer after their mate has it.
I am sure science will figure this out soon. What better way to transmit itself than on the DNA the ESSENTIAL protien for reproduction and survival
of a species.
I know cancer is many diseases but they have one thing in common. Cells cease to reproduce properly and cell reproduction is a result of DNA and RNA
processes.
Just my .02.
incog
Science has figured out how cancer starts and spreads, but not why, and no, its not a virus. Some thing in the DNA may make one family more sensible
to have one or more types of cancer, but cancer is not contagious.
Cancer is not a new disease, is known for centuries, if it was a virus attacking the DNA, the result would be much worse.
Also, all superior animals have cancer, so its not just linked to human DNA. Sharks are the only animals who get cancer but it does not grow, it stays
the same until the shark dies of other causes.
From the Merck Manual website:
Cancer: A proliferation of cells whose unique trait --loss of normal controls--results in unregulated growth, lack of differentiation, local tissue
invasion, and metastasis.
Cancer (malignancy) can develop in any tissue of any organ at any age. Most cancers are potentially curable if detected at an early stage. By
performing self-examinations, patients can help recognize early signs of some possible malignancies. Diagnostic testing and therapy are essential for
optimal results. When cure or reasonable palliation is likely, physicians must discuss all therapeutic options.
In that site they also list some know causes:
Molecular Abnormalities
Environmental Factors
....Viruses
....Parasites
....Chemicals
....Ultraviolet radiation
....Ionizing radiation
....Chronic irritation to skin
Immunologic Disorders
In the case of you family, maybe is something in the environment or a virus, but remember that the virus is only indirectly related to cancer, its not
the virus that spread the cancer, but its the reaction of the body that triggers the cancer.
I really recommend the Merck Manual Website, specifically this page:
Chapter 142. Overview Of Cancer