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The Velveteen Ocelot

(131,130 posts)

17. Cancer isn't a single disease; it's a type of disease

Mon Jul 22, 2013, 03:21 PM

Jul 2013

with many manifestations and many causes. In some cases there is a genetic predisposition; some cancers are caused by environmental conditions; some causes are unknown. Just because two people in the same household get cancer doesn't mean that one "caught" it from the other unless it is established that it is (1) the same kind of cancer, and (2) that environmental or other causes are ruled out, and (3) there is evidence of some kind of vector (e.g., a virus).

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This message was self-deleted by its author [View all] darkangel218 Jul 2013 OP

With over 7 Billion people on this planet, MineralMan Jul 2013 #1

Your theory could be right. darkangel218 Jul 2013 #2

Well, the thing is that there has been a lot of research MineralMan Jul 2013 #7

Pointless to speculate. darkangel218 Jul 2013 #15

Yes. Pointless. As you say, we are not cancer MineralMan Jul 2013 #21

I don't see why it wouldn't be transmissible Politicalboi Jul 2013 #3

Doctors ask to determine genetic risk factors NoOneMan Jul 2013 #5

Yes, there are. darkangel218 Jul 2013 #13

Thats genetical predisposition. darkangel218 Jul 2013 #9

Basic immunology says they couldn't invade NickB79 Jul 2013 #12

Relax. That's medically impossible. kestrel91316 Jul 2013 #19

Papilloma virus is very common. darkangel218 Jul 2013 #22

I am aware of that. There are many viruses in the animal kingdom that can cause cancer. kestrel91316 Jul 2013 #31

I have a medical background actually. darkangel218 Jul 2013 #33

Most DUers don't, and I never assume they do. kestrel91316 Jul 2013 #38

Family cancers are transmitted genetically, though NickB79 Jul 2013 #11

It could be they were both experiencing the same environmental triggers/causes NoOneMan Jul 2013 #4

Nice sharpshootin', Tex. AngryAmish Jul 2013 #18

Genetically (and environmentally) transmissible, elleng Jul 2013 #6

Were they identical types of cancer? MineralMan Jul 2013 #8

Not in this case, no. darkangel218 Jul 2013 #10

Then it's highly unlikely that there was any sort of transmission. MineralMan Jul 2013 #14

This message was self-deleted by its author darkangel218 Jul 2013 #20

I am done here with this topic. MineralMan Jul 2013 #23

because he has a functioning brain Kali Jul 2013 #24

Oh, hi Kali! how are you feeling today? darkangel218 Jul 2013 #27

I was wondering where you were.. darkangel218 Jul 2013 #29

IIRC, most cancer is attributable to lifestyle/exposure to toxins/diet. kestrel91316 Jul 2013 #16

Cancer isn't a single disease; it's a type of disease The Velveteen Ocelot Jul 2013 #17

I blame aliens Silent3 Jul 2013 #25

THATS IT!!, darkangel218 Jul 2013 #26

Environmental mzmolly Jul 2013 #28

Could be. darkangel218 Jul 2013 #30

um, don't you have to take some basic biology for nursing school? Kali Jul 2013 #32

I told you before, your personal attacks only reflect on what kind of person you are. darkangel218 Jul 2013 #34

From NPR darkangel218 Jul 2013 #35

Well, I will certainly be cautious around any Tasmanian Devils MineralMan Jul 2013 #36

You said you were done with this thread darkangel218 Jul 2013 #37

I see. Please proceed. MineralMan Jul 2013 #39

Nope, you do. darkangel218 Jul 2013 #40

OK. But think what you'll miss. MineralMan Jul 2013 #41

If there are free radicals in the blood - theoretically you could transmit a cancer causing agent srican69 Jul 2013 #42

Back in the 80s, the reserchers could have sworn darkangel218 Jul 2013 #43

You can't catch cancer, no. LeftishBrit Jul 2013 #44

"You cant catch cancer" is what we know at this time. darkangel218 Jul 2013 #45