Stressing Over-Strained Cancer Cells May Kill Them, Study Says
Scientists at the Medical College of Georgia Cancer Center have recently discovered that stressed cancer cells that endure an increased amount of stress may be killed causing a disruption of the "assembly line" of cells, some of which may also act as protectors fighting cancer.
The center was recently awarded a $1.5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to further investigate the destruction of the cells, both healthy and cancerous, through stress, which could decrease an individual’s positive outcome and ability to be treated successfully.
Why Does Cancer Occur?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) explains that cancer occurs when damaged DNA is unable to be repaired. The damaged DNA can occur because of a variety of reasons such as:
- chemicals
- viruses
- tobacco smoke
- over abundance of sunlight
Additionally, damaged DNA can be passed onto an individual hereditarily, explaining why some individuals inherit a cancer and others do not. The ACS also reports that cancer is the general term for more than 100 cancer-related conditions "in which cells in a part of the body begin to grow out of control.” All cancers begin with abnormal cell growth, but cancers can differ due to the area that a cancer affects as well as the different growth rates.
Mesothelioma, The Rare Cancer
Mesothelioma cancer is considered one of the rare forms of cancer, although it has been steadily increasing and, according to scientists, will continue to increase over the next five to 10 years especially among industrial workers including those in the following professions:
- shipyard workers
- miners
- construction workers
- electricians
The above professions are most at risk for development of mesothelioma cancer because of their potential exposure to asbestos fibers and dust, which is the cause of mesothelioma cancer.
Asbestos dust and fibers were used in an array of construction projects including homes, apartment buildings, hospitals and schools. Additionally, a plethora of asbestos-tainted products are still available today, and may increase risks of asbestos exposure among Americans. The following is a list of products containing asbestos, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
- adhesive
- brake linings, pads and crutch plates
- ceiling panels, texture, tiles and tile mastic
- chimney flue lining
- shingles, siding, wall panels, ducts and pipes
- chalkboards
- cloth wire insulation
- electrical panels, breakers, panel arc chutes, and panel partitions
- fire blankets, curtains and doors
- spray-on fireproofing
- heating and cooling systems
- elevator equipment
- vinyl/asphalt floor tiles
- beverage filters
- heat resistant gloves
- laboratory hoods, tables and countertops
- paints and coatings
- felt, shingles, tar or black jack, and base flashing
- table pads
- window glazing
- attic and wall insulation
- fireplace decoration
- gardening products
- wallboard or sheetrock and wallboard joint compound
- vinyl wall coverings
- spackling compounds
- caulking and putties
- decorative plasters
Due to the high number of asbestos containing products, individuals should discuss a potential mesothelioma diagnosis with their physician immediately, especially if they have any concerns of developing the deadly condition. Because mesothelioma cancer often remains dormant for 10 to 30 years it is imperative that potential mesothelioma victims be diagnosed as soon as possible.
To learn more about mesothelioma cancer it is advisable to discuss the condition with an experienced mesothelioma attorney who can offer a free legal consultation as to the development of a mesothelioma lawsuit in which a victim may be able to obtain a monetary award as compensation for the potential damages incurred.
