As medical science gallops along at an amazing pace, there's one corner where it still feels like the human race is lacking. While there are various cancer treatments, there's no known cure, as the disease ravages the world and kills an estimated 10 million people every year.
Scientists and doctors alike are still trying to figure out how cancer works and whether there could be a potential cure, but now, a horrifying simulation shows how it develops in the human body.
It's a sad fact that approximately four in 10 Americans will develop some form of cancer in their lives, while the National Cancer Institute warns there will be 2,041,910 new diagnosed cases in the USA in 2025. Tragically, it's expected that there will also be 618,120 deaths this year.
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Scientists have supposedly had a 'eureka moment' where they suggest aspirin could be used to stop cancer spreading, although it comes with a major warning. There's also the case of successfully shrinking one man's deadly brain tumor and talk of 'molecular jackhammers' that can destroy 99% of cancer cells, but it still seems like we're a long way from an actual cure.
Even though we don't know why only certain people are affected by certain cancers, at least we can understand how it grows.
Designed by Dr Vinay Samuel Gaikwad, the narrator of the simulation video explains: "Have you ever wondered how cancer starts in the human body? Cancer can begin when normal cells undergo genetic mutations.
"These mutations can cause the cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. As the mutated cells multiply, they can form a mass called a tumor."
Tumors can either be benign or malignant, with benign tumors being non-cancerous and not spreading to other tissues in the body. Sadly, malignant masses can spread to other organs through metastasis and end up being life-threatening.
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Gaikwad's video continues: "The exact cause of these genetic mutations is often not known, however, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing cancer."
Although some factors, like age and family history, can make you more susceptible to developing certain cancers, exposure to chemicals, smoking, excessive drinking, and obesity can all be linked to increased cancer risks.
Responding to the video, many were shocked and freaked out by seeing cancer cells growing in the simulation.
One person simply wrote, "So scary," and with so many people being affected by cancer either directly or with loved ones, it's a fascinating but grim look at the disease.
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If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.