Prof. Randy Pausch of Carnegie Mellon University, who was suffering from pancreatic cancer became famous for his 'Last Lecture'. (www.cmu.edu/uls/journeys/randy-pausch/index.html )
Some time in our own lives, we are all forced to look back at our lives, for various reasons. Terminal illness is one such reason.
Last year, nearly 1 million persons--- males, females, children, people of all ages, races, color, and nationalities, passed through the portals of the institution (MD Anderson Cancer Center) where I work now. It is the premier cancer research center in the world. Cancer is not one disease but is a group of nearly 200 different types of malignancy or tumor affecting various organs of the body, resulting from uncontrolled cell multiplication in the human body. We see people without hope, looking for hope and seeking medical help when diagnosed with cancer, mostly in advanced stage of malignancy.
Though one third of cancer is caused by genetic factors, cancer can mostly be prevented through healthy lifestyles, diet, exercise and environmental health. New forms of drugs are being researched on to reverse the cell mutation that results in cancerous growth of cells. Cancer is the no.1 killer disease in US, and it is followed by cardio-vascular diseases. 40% of Americans will be told in their lifetime: 'You have cancer'. If this is the case in a developed country such as US, what would be the state of affairs in other parts of the world, including India?
Though medical science may help, ultimately it is the individual and the quality of individual life (in terms of mental and physical health) that will help to ward off many diseases. Therein lies the role of values and spirituality. It helps to remember that our stay on this planet is short. The less regrets we have in life, the better is the journey.
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