How sophisticated is our understanding of cancer?

Our fundamental understanding of what cancer is , is so profound that we can summarize it in a few sentences; cancer is the result of a series of genetic changes having to do with cell division and growth controll and genetic stability, mortality, the suicide mechanism in cells; the ability of cells to attract to them a blood supply.

The abnormalities in cancer cells usually result from mutations in protein encoding genes that regulate cell division. Over time genes become more mutated. This is often because the genes that make the proteins that normally repair DNA damage are themselves not functioning normally because they are also mutated. Mutations then begin to increase in the cell, causing further abnormalities in that cell and the daughter cells. Some of these mutated cells die, but alterations may give the abnormal cell a selective advantage that allows it to multiply much more readilythan normal cells. This enhanced growth describes most cancer cells, which have gained functions repressed i the normal, healthy cells.
As long as these cells remain in their original location, they are considered benign. If they become invasive, they are considered malignant. Cancer cells in malignant tumors can often metastasize , sending cancer cells to distant sites inm the body, where new tumors may form.

Angiogenesis; In a process called angiogenesis, tumor cells make growth factors which induce information of new cappilary bloodvessels.

However, when we look at the etiology of the disease cancer, and it's treatment, we might find that the person had a lot of grief in their life, that they might have kept inside their body for a long time, burried away, and we might find that this person's cancer cells are diminishing when he or she imagines their cells to be healthy, and the healthy cells start attacking the cancerous ones. Modern imaging studies may show that the cancer cells dissapear when self hypnosis becomes effective.

In my opinion a person with cancer should visit a primary care provider, and discuss treatment options. The best scenario would be for the person to have a healthcare team around them, and become very proactive in researching treatment options and making informed descisions for themselves.