Torch, Fall/Winter 2009

24 TORCH | Fall–Winter 2009 C ancer. Few of us have not been touched by its horror. It strikes without mercy, prematurely separating us from loved ones and leaving a swath of pain and grief behind. We fight back as best we can, but our arsenal of toxins and radiation are often vain attempts that leave us wondering if the cure is worse than the disease. As a cell biologist, I am inundated with information about cancer. Discoveries of cellular pathways impact our understanding of the disease, and every new finding expands our knowledge of how cells should behave. Cancer offers an excellent example of what happens when a created system ceases to function in accordance with its good design. As a Christian who believes the literal Genesis account, I am overwhelmed with the themes of Creation and the Fall as I learn more about cancer. In it I see a living parable. The Perfection of God’s Design Scripture tells us God’s original creation was very good and He was pleased with it. And despite the effects of the curse on the world, created things continue to bring pleasure to their Creator. Psalmists and poets have long extolled the manifold splendors of the universe. However, few have mentioned the inherent beauty and order God put into each cell. Undoubtedly, entire books could be written about the artistry and design evident there, but let’s take a closer look at the specific cellular mechanisms that impact cancer. Designed with many constraints upon it, the cell is told when to grow, divide, rest, or die. A normal cell, as part of a healthy tissue, adheres only to other cells of its own tissue type. The cells communicate with each other so the organ or tissue functions as a whole. In a healthy cell, division is controlled by a whole set of checkpoints. When signaled to divide, the cell will check to determine whether it has adequate nutritional resources. It examines genetic information (DNA) for errors, which are repaired if possible. If not, the cell will program its own death so it won’t be a threat to the organism. Otherwise, the cell grows to an appropriate size. Also, during the process of nuclear division, chromosomal segregation is checked for integrity. As you can see, our wise Creator put many good systems in place in order for What God Meant for Good Although the body’s cells may go tragically awry, they tell the story of Creation, the Fall, and future redemption. by Dr. Heather Kuruvilla SETIXELA / ISTOCKPHOTO; OPPOSITE: KOSTICH / ISTOCKPHOTO