2011 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript
This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2011. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.
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How close are scientists to finding a cure for cancer?
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Emily Edelman, M.S.:
I am a genetic counselor who coordinates multiple projects at a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education in genetics to healthcare providers. I work with other genetic counselors, scientists, physicians, nurses, physician assistants, bioethicists, patient advocates, and other health professionals. I have experience in providing genetic counseling to individuals with a family history of cancer, and other rare and common conditions.
Cancer is actually many different diseases, but most of them are complex diseases, caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The treatments for cancer are rapidly and significantly improving. Treatments have come a long way because of the greater understanding of the make-up of specific types of cancer, thanks to the Cancer Genome Project and other efforts. While there may not be a literal "cure" for cancer, it is likely that cancer therapies will continue to advance until cancer will be treated like a chronic condition that someone can live with, such as Diabetes. We are also better able to predict individuals who are at greater risk of developing cancer based on their family history. For these people, we can sometimes provide recommendations for preventive measures to take.
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| Brownsville Area High School in PA (9th grade student) |
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