Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Atomic-S on 22/02/2010 04:01:11

Title: Is the human body inherently disease-generating?
Post by: Atomic-S on 22/02/2010 04:01:11

Consider a "normal" human body in an "ideal" situation, meaning one that would be between 18 and 40 years old, having no identifiable genetic diseases, well nourished and living healthfully, nonsmoking, lucky enough to avoid any accident, abnormal radiation exposure, chemical pollution, or particularly nasty microorgansm. In other words, one not having any of the usual known sources of disease. The question is, what is the probability that such a person would contract cancer, tumors, or similar ailments? Is it different from zero, and if so, can we put a number (or numbers) on it?

And, if possible, cite evidence to support your answer.

Title: Is the human body inherently disease-generating?
Post by: Bored chemist on 22/02/2010 19:38:30

If he didn't die from something else then eventually he would die from cancer.

Title: Is the human body inherently disease-generating?
Post by: Pwee on 23/02/2010 13:12:00

We are constantly bombarded by high energy particles/radiation coming from the earth and outer space. Sometimes this causes damage in our DNA, and sometimes this results in cancer. Although we have a natural defense mechanism against modified cells like this, so I beleave in theory, a perfectly healthy immune system will wipe out these cells before they develop tumor.

Title: Is the human body inherently disease-generating?
Post by: Bored chemist on 23/02/2010 22:15:55

The repair systems are good, but they are not perfect. In the end the damage will build up and cause cancer in the end.
Also, we are radioactive, there's no way to avoid the effects of potassium's beta decay in the body.

Title: Is the human body inherently disease-generating?
Post by: Pwee on 24/02/2010 01:04:46

Potassium-Smotassium!

There is some repair going on, but thats not the only line of defense.

Our body is merciless if it comes to mutations. CD8+ cells and Natural Killer cells kill cancerous cells right then and there, they don't try to repair whats unrepairable.

We have lots of cells, missing one or two now and then is nothing compared to the benefits of being cancer free.

The OP said that the person has a flawless medical history. This person is perfectly healthy, so I assume his immune system works perfectly dealing with potentially cancerous cells as well.
Of course there is no such real living person out there, but theoretically it is conceivable.