Medical science has been more innovative in the last decade than it has been in the last 100 years. There have been inventions using robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning for every disease around us, except cancer.
Cancer is a broad umbrella term that encompasses a heterogeneous disease with cells with an uncontrolled growth potential. In simple terms, that means that the cells grow uncontrollably.
However, with all the medical advances in the world, scientists have seen tremendous progress in treatment options over the years. The development of chemotherapy in the mid-20th century, advancements in radiation therapy, and breakthroughs in immunotherapy have transformed cancer care.
In this blog, we highlight the chronological order of disease discoveries to understand the world of health and diseases, and then talk about why a deadly disease like cancer does not have a cure yet!
In this article
Chronological Order Of Disease Discoveries
In the last 100 years, medicine has changed the world like nothing else. Deadly diseases like HIV, bacterial meningitis, pneumonia, and others were not even discovered but completely eradicated. Here are some of the diseases discovered in the last few years and how they were discovered.
- The late 20th century brought the emergence of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, causing widespread fear and devastation. The discovery of antiretroviral drugs in the 1990s marked a turning point, turning HIV from a death sentence into a manageable chronic condition.
- The discovery of antibiotics in the early 20th century revolutionized medicine and transformed the treatment of bacterial infections. Sir Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin in 1928 and subsequent developments in antibiotic research paved the way for the effective treatment of diseases like pneumonia, strep throat, and bacterial meningitis.
- As we moved into the latter half of the 20th century, the focus shifted to cardiovascular diseases, which emerged as a leading cause of death.
- Breakthroughs in coronary artery bypass surgery, angioplasty, and the development of cholesterol-lowering drugs like statins have significantly improved outcomes for individuals with heart conditions.
- In the late 18th century, Edward Jenner introduced the smallpox vaccine in 1796. Smallpox, a highly contagious and deadly disease, has plagued humanity for centuries.
- Jenner’s groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the development of vaccines, marking the first triumph in the fight against infectious diseases.
Why Is There No Cure for Cancer Yet?
Despite remarkable advancements in science and technology, a panacea for cancer has continued to evade researchers. The complexity of cancer, both in its origins and manifestations, poses substantial challenges that contribute to the absence of a universal cure.
- Firstly, cancer is not a singular disease but a diverse group of disorders characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division. The vast array of cancer types, each with its own unique genetic and molecular makeup, complicates the development of a one-size-fits-all solution.
- The mutability of cancer cells adds another layer of complexity. Tumor cells can undergo genetic mutations and evolve, rendering them resistant to traditional treatment methods. This adaptability poses a constant challenge, requiring researchers to devise innovative strategies that anticipate and counteract cancer’s ability to evolve and resist treatment.
- Moreover, the heterogeneity within tumours themselves poses a significant hurdle. These cells within a single tumour can exhibit distinct genetic profiles, complicating the identification and targeting of specific vulnerabilities.
Factors such as lifestyle, genetics, and environmental exposures contribute to the initiation and progression of cancer. This multifactorial nature demands a comprehensive understanding of the intricate web of influences that contribute to disease development, making it challenging to identify a singular cure.
While advancements in targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and precision medicine show promise, the road to a universal cure remains lengthy.
Collaborative efforts across disciplines, increased funding, and ongoing research are essential to unravelling the complexities of cancer and eventually discovering effective, personalized treatment strategies.
