Happy Labor Day weekend everyone! Did you know that Labor Day was first recognized in America by the U.S. Government in 1885? By 1887 five states had enacted legislation that created the Labor Day holiday. Celebrated by every state today, this first Monday in September is dedicated to the economic and social achievements of American workers. It’s a national tribute to those who have sacrificed and contributed to the prosperity, well-being and growth of our country.
Over the years, we have made incredible strides in every area of that growth – in business, technology, education, transportation, agriculture and, of course, medicine. Indeed, we have discussed the incredible advances in cancer research numerous times. If you remember, one of the most exciting developments involves research into the genetic “causes” of different cancers. This is so important because once we understand “why” or “how” a particular cancer begins, the more precisely we can prevent or treat it.
Scientists and research facilities in this country and around the world have made incredible progress in this endeavor. And in the last few weeks, a significant finding has been reported in the journal Nature. Researchers in Britain analyzed the genetic “codes” of thirty different types of cancer in over seven thousand people. They hoped to uncover the initial change or mutation that leads to the development of several common cancers. They found that all the cancers studied contained two or more stages of mutation. Known as signatures, these mutations vary depending upon the cancer.
For example, the development of ovarian cancer appears to result from two mutational processes, while liver cancer appears to result from six. The team also discovered that APOBECs, enzymes that are activated when the body is responding to a viral infection, were linked to more than half of the cancers. And, of course, twenty-five of the thirty cancers studied encompassed mutational processes linked to aging. This is no surprise, as we know that “Old Age” is one of the “Big Os” we thoroughly discuss in The Single Source Cancer Course.
These results have been described as the “archaeological traces” of the beginnings of cancer. With this in mind, this Labor Day I’d personally like to honor ALL the dedicated and selfless individuals in this country – and around the world – who work together in concert to make our entire planet a better place for all of us! Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Please read more about this amazing discovery in Nature and many other online sources including:
www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/14/gene-study-cancer-origins-tumor-development.
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