We now know that many factors can influence our risk of getting cancer the foods we eat, the chemicals we are exposed to in our environment, our genetic background, and even certain viruses. However, the great challenge before us is to understand how these factors interact with cells and genes in our body to eventually give rise to cancer. This evening we hope to come closer to answering that question. During the first part of this evening s lecture, students will learn why cancer is referred to as a disease of cell growth, how changes in our genes lead to cancer, and why the study of cancer has led to a greater understanding of the growth process of both normal and cancerous cells. Our discussion on the essence of what cancer is will be followed by a discussion about cancer treatments from my colleague, Tanya Repka.
Cancer is a word that strikes fear.
Whether it be a relative, friend, or oneself, everyone has been touched by this fearful disease in a personal way. But even with its common thread in our lives, few people know that cancer is actually a multitude of very different diseases. After Mini Medical School students have the opportunity to learn about cancer from a molecular standpoint from my colleague Tucker LeBien, I will spend the second half of the evening discussing the clinical issues surrounding different cancer types, including their common treatments. We will focus on breast cancer as a model, learning what scientists and clinicians are doing everything from chemo-prevention to treatment. Students will learn that we have truly gone from bench to bedside in treatment of this very common cancer.