If the cure for cancer is expensive, should we ban it?

Question

Current cancer treatment averages hundreds of thousands of dollars per individual. And it appears that a cure would in the form of a treatment "tailored to the individual's genetic makeup." So, in effect, curing a single cancer patient could be very expensive.

But if we continue to cure cancer patients, then the cancer rate in society will go up, because when cancer survivors procreate with non-cancer individuals, the offspring produced are genetically predisposed to getting cancer. So, at some point in time, almost everyone in society could develop cancer at some point in their life. And having to cure everyone would be impractical because of the huge financial impact it would have on society.

So if this was how cancer is cured, then should we ban it?

Answer 1

To me this sounds like another parlour game played by people who've never had or been close to cancer - similar to the 'Is there a conspiracy to hide a cure?' game.



You have some very strange and uninformed notions about cancer and genetics.

Answer 2

Currently, cancer is not cured according to genetic make-up. Certain genetic test tell us weather or not people have a pre-disposition towards certain cancers. When cancer is diagnosed, current treatments are not tailored towards the individual, rather the cell make-up that compromises this cancer.

And as far as your theory behind cancer survivors procreating, you have to do a little research about genetics and cancer. Cancer is not only genetics. The outside effects, such as smoking or diet, are the root causes behind a multitude of cancers. And just because someone has a genetic mutation, when the procreate, there is no guarantee that this mutation will pass on. Do a little research before you jump on your soapbox.

Answer 3

No. My mother had cancer when she was 32. She is now a survivor of Cancer and is 48. I love her. I'm glad she's alive. My father had cancer when he was 43. He had a stem cell transplant when he was 45. He's now almost 51 and still alive. I love him and I'm glad he's alive. I now work on Oncology as an RN to help save the lives of cancer patients, and make their life more comfortable. Heredity isn't the only thing to make you at risk for cancer. So many environmental aspects are to blame. As well as certain virus's (HPV and Epstein Barr). Life choices such as smoking, drinking alcohol, not wearing sun screen, eating a poor diet are all major contributers.

To be honest everyone will develop cancer if they live long enough. Thats a fact of life. We all have cancerous cells growing in us. Most of them die off before they multiply. Many people who have had cancer have no personal family history. I dont feel doomed because both my parents and 2 grandparents had cancer.

Answer 4

No we should not allow prisoners to have TV's in their rooms and feed them. The state is paying a lot of money to keep up with the State prisons. So why support a criminal and not a person who has paid taxes all their life and unfortunately got very ill.

I guess it all depends on someone priority and I believe, as long as we support criminals and murderers, we sure should put the money out for any sick person.

And most cancer is not genetically, if it is, it doesn't mean everybody has to get it. It depends on the person. We had cancer in my family and they were all of different nature and none of them were genetic nor did anybody else had the same type of cancer.

Answer 5

There is a 1 in 3 chance that one day, a doctor will say to you "You have cancer."



You have a bit more preparing to do to deal with that one sonny boy.

Answer 6

You must work for the Bush administration!

My treatment cost less than the 20 mil congress spent on political junk mail.

Answer 7

Treating chronic stupidity is also expensive and futile. Sad for you:) Better run apply for one of them loans before the rates go back up!!!!



I know this is not a real question. It's a pretty pathetic way to cry for attention, love.

Answer 8

That is ridiculous. Did "I am Legend" scare you?

Answer 9

we should subsidized it like we do with education