The Bare Bones Of Cancer - 1082 Words

Shannon Chamberlain Mrs. Newcombe A.P. English 11 11 April 2016 The Bare Bones of Cancer A silent killer of today is cancer; there are many different forms of cancer. For each different style of cancer, there are many unanswered questions about cancer, even if most of them are currently unknown to us. Cancer is a debilitating and often fatal disease, but thanks to current medical research, knowing the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and planning the treatments have become much easier. There is not one known direct cause to developing bone cancer. However, scientists have found that bone cancer is associated with a number of other conditions. There are different life activities that can heighten the risk factors. Such risk factors can†¦show more content†¦Since the DNA is passed down from parent to offspring, the risk of developing certain diseases, including cancer is passed down as well; the DNA is divided down into genes. Cancer cell growth is a result of abnormal cell growth after there has been an error in the cells DNA, thus causing a mutation. Cancers ca n be caused by DNA mutations that activate oncogenes or inactivate tumor suppressor genes. In many cases, genetic testing can be used to see if someone has one of these mutations. Most bone cancers are not caused by inherited DNA mutations. They are the result of mutations acquired during the person’s lifetime. These mutations may result from exposure to radiation or cancer-causing chemicals, but most often they occur for no apparent reason. Scientists are making progress in understanding this process but there are still some points that are not completely understood. As their knowledge increases, they hope to develop ways to better prevent and treat bone cancers (Cancer.org). There are many symptoms that could be possible signs of bone cancer; the most common symptom would be a dull aching pain in the bones or joints of a person. Other symptoms may include mass swelling, numbness, tingling, tenderness, decrease in blood flow, cold limbs such as hands and feet, and a weak or absent pulse in affected area. Weight loss is a common symptom; in some cases a minor injury causes a fracture near where the tumor is located. A bone tumor