Essay Example on Advancements in cancer treatment have the Prospect

Advancements in cancer treatment have the prospect of greatly changing society in various aspects One of the newest forms of medicine under investigation is the idea of personalized medicine which tailors treatment to the individual patient based on their specific genotype and DNA Also recognized as precision or genomic medicine personalization centers on evaluation of disease risk grounded on an individual's predisposition as it enables treatments to be carried out that may offer superior results to patients with different needs by using the patient's own genetic information An essential tool in personalized medicine is bioinformatics which uses analysis and aids in diagnosing disease and correlating genetics This new wave of medicine has great implications for engineering solutions globally economically environmentally and societally Traditional methods which rely on standardized procedures aimed at entire populations work almost on a trial and error basis Personalized medicine works not by necessarily developing a treatment uniquely for each individual but rather by identifying approaches which will be most effective for the patient established on their specific genetic environmental and lifestyle factors 

123 treatments available as of 2017 an increase of over 60 from 2012 Personalized medicine in oncology also has implications on the environment in which the cure for such cancers will lead to longer lives for patients which will inevitably affect the environment possibly in a negative way via overpopulation and depletion of resources which also affects society The high cost of such care may create a divide in society based on economic wealth and status Initially those that can afford to pay out of pocket or pay insurances for such services will gain a longer and healthier life while those unable to afford it will suffer The more research and familiarization there is the greater the chance of affordability for all The opportunity personalized medicine offers in oncology using bioinformatics can greatly shape the global world Imparting effects globally economically environmentally and societally it is a revolutionary advancement It holds the ability to empower patients to take control of not only their own healthcare but also their future descendants by taking preventative measures and overcoming life threatening illnesses