We humans have encountered quite a number of challenges. Virus, like coronavirus-19, and other pathogens have threatened our survival and become a big issue left unsolved for centuries. They are foreign particles though – what if our cells attack ourselves? Cancer is a case in point, that develops in our own body and eventually kills the host. Sometimes I wonder why the cancerous cells have acted this way – this meaningless way that they cannot ‘win’ in the end. Without the host, where can they go? Perhaps we should treat them as an intelligent species. :p
Last Friday, I attended the talk (by Dr Rebecca Chin) regarding the treatment of cancer. I am a Form Four student studying Biology, and I think the talk is a bit difficult and have got lost for a few times. But I appreciated that the talk began with the news about Nobel prize awardees exploring the mysteries of cancer. Some may think technological or medical development have plateaued for a few years, but it is just that many scientists and researchers work quietly with devotion, and many of the achievements may not be publicized, let alone being the headline of the newspaper. Surely their commitment to the public, by both awardees or not, should be recognized and admired.
Dr Chin talked about why cancer develops (by mutation and oncogenes), how to define cancer (by Hallmarks of cancer) and the related method for diagnosis (e.g. CAT scan and X-ray) and treatment (by deleting specific genes or conventional methods). She also shared some of the lab researches with us (awesome cell videos!). Her effort and perseverance on investigating the cancerous cells is definitely what we students should learn from.
At the end of the talk, a student asked if there is an ultimate treatment for all types of cancer (that is what we really want!). I learn and understand that cancer is a group of more than 100 diseases. But who knows? Perhaps one day there will be. Austrian scientist Mendel also found out the secret of life (genetics) because of serendipity and his hard work. Before that, perhaps no one knows there is sequence and order guiding the organization of genes and division of cells. Optimism is one of the key that leads us to a perfect and fascinating solution for a age-old mystery.
I have joined another talk about earthquake and tsunami (by Dr Fok Wing Huen) a year ago. They are both very meaningful and informative. Here I sincerely thank for all the time and effort paid by lecturers and staff to organize such activities for secondary school students!