I recently read Elena Sebe’s article in the April 4 issue of The Poly. I was appalled not only by its accusational and inflammatory tone, but by its complete disregard for scientific fact.

The first claim that is made is that living well “might be nearly good enough to battle cancer.” In certain cases, especially with cancers of the lungs, mouth, and skin, this may be true. But by its nature, cancer is a genetically-based disease. The creation of cancerous cells occurs because of a genetic mutation in the cells that disables the process of apoptosis. While this genetic mutation can be triggered by outside factors, it is often the result of a genetic predisposition that we are born with. So one could live as healthily as possible and (gasp) still fall victim to cancer. Additionally, 15 percent of all cancer cases are caused by viruses such as Epstein-Barr. For these cases, both those involving genetics and viruses, the only option is to develop newer and better treatments. Living well is simply not enough.

This brings me to the second point, that our treatments supposedly only make the problem worse. Try telling that to the thousands whose lives have been saved by these techniques. Additionally, Sebe assumes that all future treatments will be as hazardous as chemotherapy. This is just plain false. New techniques are being developed that use gene therapy or highly specialized drugs that target only tumor cells.

Finally, as a person that has lost numerous family members to cancer, I was personally insulted by the insinuations of the articles. The author seemed to be saying that cancer is something that occurs as a result of personal irresponsibility. This is offensive. A few months ago, my Uncle Chuck was diagnosed with cancer of the throat. He was not a smoker, ate well, and did not drink. In short, he was a healthy man. But he still got cancer, be it for genetic reasons or otherwise. Not long ago, he died. I am outraged that someone looking to spark a reaction from their audience would insinuate that his death was due to his not “living healthily.”

In the last line of the article, the author beseeches us not to write nasty messages. How could this be expected after the bias, disrespect, and general ignorance that were presented in the column?

On behalf of all those who have lost family members to cancer or who are currently coping with it themselves, I would like to deliver the following message to Elena Sebe: f*ck you.