Episode 107: Understanding Cancer with Dr. Jason Fung

Cancer. It is a word that evokes feelings of fear, pain, hopelessness, and loss. It also brings to mind images of chemotherapy, nausea, weight loss, hair loss, and loved ones suffering in pain. Cancer is all of these things and so much more. But what is more interesting is why do people get cancer? Why do all cancers end up looking the same despite originating from different parts of the body? And why is something so common that it is a leading cause of death in the United States still so difficult to treat?

The Origin of Cancer

Dr. Jason Fung visits again today but instead of talking about intermittent fasting, he joins me to discuss his new book, the Cancer Code. The book focuses on all of the new discoveries made in the field of cancer over the past 20 years. A lot has been learned which has fundamentally changed our view of cancer's origins which affects our focus on treatments. Only by understanding where cancer comes from and why it exists can you effectively treat it. The short answer is that cancer is simply a normal multicellular cell that decides to become unicellular.

What is Cancer?

Our understanding of what cancer is has evolved over the years. Cancer has been around for as long as recorded history and can be found in almost every multicellular organism from hydras to birds to whales. Originally, cancer was seen as abnormal growth so the therapy focused on stopping the growth. That means surgery and chemotherapy. Next, we learned about DNA and recognized that the abnormal growth came because of mutations so we directed therapy at specific genes. Finally, now we see cancer as primarily a failure with the immune system.

Why do we get cancer?

Now that we know cancer is abnormal growth of cells with genetic mutations not destroyed by our immune system we can focus on therapies and preventative strategies. A lot of abnormal growth signals come from insulin which is a hormonal growth factor - not just a metabolic growth factor. And which patients have the highest levels of insulin? Diabetics who are predominantly obese. Despite our efforts to prevent cancer by aggressive anti-smoking campaigns and removing asbestos from buildings we are losing the war against cancer because obesity is increasing at an enormous clip in the United States.

The discussion we have is wide ranging and will be useful and interesting to anyone with or without deep medical knowledge. Everyone has intimate knowledge of cancer with someone in their lives and the show will give you a deeper understanding of what it is and maybe what you can do to prevent it.