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Cancer

Cancer

Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...

Cancer Prevention

Cancer Prevention

Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...

Cancer Prevention

Cancer Prevention

Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...

What is Cancer?

What is Cancer?

Cells and tissues must meticulously coordinate their activities for the normal functioning of the human body. Therefore, they exhibit socially responsible behavior - resting, growing, dividing, differentiating, or dying - for the organism’s benefit. Cancer arises when cells divide uncontrollably and invade other tissues or organs.
Although people have known about cancer for centuries, it was only in 1761 that Giovanni Morgagni of Padua performed a detailed autopsy of patients who died from...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy for Remnant Gastric Cancer

Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy for Remnant Gastric Cancer

Published on: October 31, 2025

[Breast cancer].

Takehiko Sakai¹, Takuji Iwase

¹Department of Breast Surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-10-6 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan.

Gan to Kagaku Ryoho. Cancer & Chemotherapy

|December 17, 2010

Summary

Older women often have less aggressive breast cancer, but treatment decisions for those over 70 require careful consideration of recurrence risk and overall health, especially regarding chemotherapy.

Area of Science:

Oncology
Geriatric Medicine
Clinical Research

Context:

Older women with breast cancer frequently present with less aggressive tumor biology, including smaller size and specific receptor expression profiles (steroid hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative).
Established breast cancer treatments include surgery, drug therapy (endocrine therapy, chemotherapy), and radiotherapy, with treatment selection based on tumor characteristics and recurrence risk.
Limited enrollment of women over 70 in clinical trials creates a gap in evidence-based guidelines for adjuvant chemotherapy in this demographic.

Purpose:

To review the treatment considerations for breast cancer in older women, focusing on the challenges posed by limited evidence for adjuvant chemotherapy.
To highlight the factors influencing treatment choices in elderly patients, balancing tumor biology, recurrence risk, and patient-specific health metrics.

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Last Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy for Remnant Gastric Cancer

Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy for Remnant Gastric Cancer

Published on: October 31, 2025

Summary:

Breast tumors in older women often exhibit less aggressive features, influencing treatment strategies.
Treatment decisions for elderly breast cancer patients must integrate tumor characteristics, recurrence risk, life expectancy, comorbidities, and organ function.
While less invasive options like surgery, endocrine therapy, and radiotherapy are preferred, chemotherapy may be indicated for older patients with high-risk features (e.g., lymph node positivity, hormone receptor negativity, HER2 expression).

Impact:

Informs clinical decision-making for breast cancer management in elderly populations.
Emphasizes the need for personalized treatment approaches considering both cancer specifics and patient frailty.
Highlights the current limitations in evidence for adjuvant chemotherapy in women over 70, suggesting areas for future research.