Midpoint Reflection: Week 4

Knowing the prognosis, or predicted course, of cancer helps guide decisions about treatment. Pathologists are doctors who are specialized in examining body tissues. They examine tissue biopsies, or samples removed by a doctor and sent in for pathology studies. Pathologists classify cancer. Dr. Cohen will define how cancers are classified by grade, stage, TNM classification, and molecular staging. The classification of cancer helps oncologists, or doctors who treat cancer, make decisions about treatment options. There are many ways to treat cancer. Dr. Cohen will

first review traditional cancer treatments: surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Next, he will introduce newer treatment strategies. Advances in knowledge about the genetics of cancer have enabled rational drug design of targeted therapy. Perhaps the most exciting is cancer immunotherapy which was named “breakthrough of the year” by Science magazine in 2013. The rationale behind cancer immunotherapy is to use the body’s own immune system to fight cancer! However, what’s better than treatment is prevention of cancer. There are many known risk factors for cancer. This means that there are things you can do to decrease your risk for cancer. Cancer shares many of the same risk factors as for cardiovascular disease or neurologic disorders.

Can you think of changes you can make to live a healthier lifestyle? Dr. Cohen will review these with you.