The Enemies of the System

In most general terms, cancer can be characterized as uncontrolled cell replication. Regardless of its type, cancer initially develops in a normal, healthy cell and shares the basic characteristics of this normal cell, at least in its early developmental stages. However, these cells tend to lose some of their abilities. One such important ability is that of reacting to the messages delivered by their surrounding or their own organisms that regulate cell replication. When such a disorder occurs, the cell can no longer control its replication and the growth of tissues. This process, known as "continuous dividing," is genetically transferred to new cells resulting in the spread of tumours, which in turn invade the neighbouring tissues. These decomposed cells eat up the nutrients of other cells, consuming the vital amino acid supply. Cancer cells eventually shut down the passages within the human body with their expanding volume. They accumulate in various organs such as the brain, lungs, liver, and kidneys, surrounding the healthy and normal cells of these organs and preventing their normal functioning, eventually posing a serious threat to human life.

Normal cells replicate only when they receive a command from neighbouring cells. This is a safety measure within the organism. However, cancer cells do not respond to this mechanism and refuse any control over their replication system. The type of cancer described so far does not create any problem for the defence system. A strong body with an effective defence system is capable of struggling with the increasingly expanding cancerous cells multiplying in number, and of even defeating the disease. The main problem arises when cancer cells pierce their own membranes with the help of an enzyme (pac-man enzyme), and mix in the circulatory system (the conveyor network) of the body by penetrating the lymphatic fluid, and eventually reaching distant tissues and cells.

The current scenario is quite negative. Cells that used to work collectively in providing humans with the gifts of seeing, hearing, breathing, and living suddenly grow recalcitrant, not obeying the "stop" command they receive from neighbouring cells. As they continue replicating, they carry out a destruction process at full blast which leads to the total death of the body.

If we compare the human body to a country and the human defence system to a powerful, fully equipped army, the cancer cells emerge as the rebels of this country. This mutinous community grows in number daily, continuing their demolition of the current structure. But the army of this country is not at all pregnable.

The macrophages, the front line warriors of the defence system, surround the invader when they encounter it and destroy the cancer cells with the help of a protein they specially produce. In addition, the T cells, the strong and intelligent warriors of the defence system and their exceptional weapons (antibodies) kill the cancer cells that have begun to fuse in the body and lymphatic fluids by piercing the cell membrane. The struggle will continue even as the cancer spreads. As the cancer cells develop further, the defence cells help to inhibit the progress of the disease, resulting in remission.

One of the systems within human cells which prevent the spread of cancer cells is "apoptosis", which causes the suicide of the cell. Apoptosis is seen when the DNA of the cell is damaged, or a tumour develops, or the effectiveness of the P53 gene - also known as the "cancer preventing gene" - lessens. Though apoptosis may appear to be a very negative event, it is actually highly important, as it blocks such vital disorders and prevents the disease from passing on to the next generation. When compared to the potential danger imposed by the cancer cells, which are likely to damage the entire human body, the loss of a single cell is much more acceptable. Cells within the human body that realize (!) that there is a disorder in their own structure threatening the human body instigate their own demise to prolong human life.

The cancer takes on a life-threatening form when these decomposed cells overcome this suicide system. In this case, a second defence mechanism is activated to avoid uncontrolled multiplying of these cells. If they succeed in surpassing this barrier, too, they then encounter a further stage known as the "the term of crisis". At this stage, the cells, which have successfully escaped from the previous security systems, are killed en masse. Among these cells, one cell, however, succeeds in overcoming the "crisis". This "rebellious" cancer cell will transfer its rebellious nature to its descendants, which will multiply in great numbers. The cancerous patient must now fight an intensive struggle with cancer.

Is it only the uncontrolled, independent and continuously multiplying nature of the cancer cell that brings victory to it? Other reasons lie behind this success.

Cells carry a type of inscription system on their surface which positions them in the body. This inscription system is decipherable by all the cells within the human body, helping each cell to know exactly where it belongs and preventing it from occupying another's place. This system ensures the integrity of the tissues. Cells, which are aware of their position, neither go anywhere else, nor let any other cell occupy their place, thus ensuring the maintenance of the body in a healthy state. Cells that are not located at a certain site or those located at an inappropriate site will eventually commit suicide. However, with the help of this system, the suicide process is totally eliminated, as the cells are not allowed to be dislocated or located in an inappropriate site. This process is not as simple as it may seem. In order to maintain the effective functioning of this system, each cell has to identify its own position whilst respecting the locations of other cells, and being mindful not to invade their sites. These procedures are taught to them by various mediator molecules which enable these cells to maintain their respective places. However, there are occasions when these mediator molecules are absent or unable to fulfil this duty. This provides the cancer cells with an advantage. When inhibitory molecules are not present in the environment, cancer cells spread more rapidly. Besides, cancer cells are not required to anchor themselves to any specific site. They undermine the rules by living independently and without settling in any place.

Erythrocytes are exceptional cells that do not possess a stationary site within the human body. They pierce the membranes of other cells and tissues and tear down the obstacles with the aid of a special enzyme called "metallo-proteinase". They are therefore able to visit any part of the human body at will. The defence cells use this enzyme to reach out to the enemy cells, while cancer cells use them for an entirely different purpose. Their main goal is to attack healthy cells and invade them.

The skills of the cancer cells are not limited to these pursuits; they are also capable of playing other 'games' against the defence cells. Odd as it may sound, we are not talking about talented actors but rather cancer cells, which play games against their opponents. Before attempting to explain these unbelievably clever games, let us review what we have explained so far.

Isn't it extraordinary that our army of defence sets up progressive barriers against the enemy? This organization we call an "army" is made up of cells which can only be viewed under an advanced electron microscope. Their ability to protect and guard their sites, their willingness to lay down their own lives to save the life of the human body they belong to, their unyielding commitment to continue their struggle, are not the products of coincidence. Undoubtedly, we can see a very conscious and well-organized form of functioning in defence cells.

What would happen if such a difficult mission were handed to a trillion highly educated human beings? Would the success rate be as impressive? Would it be possible for them to enforce their will on the crowd despite the existence of strict disciplinary rules and obligatory measures? If a few of these individuals forgot the formula of the antibodies they were supposed to manufacture, or neglected to manufacture them, or refused to commit suicide when necessary, would all of these stages function regularly? Would the struggle end with victory? Could an army of billions of individuals continue its struggle without any mistake? Are there, by any chance, any brave and skilled commanders or managers who would be willing to undertake the responsibility of keeping these billions under control? However, our defence cells do not need any commanders or managers. Their system operates in a very regulated manner, without any inhibitions or difficulties. There is no anarchy or confusion during the process. The reason for this perfection and extremely effective functioning is God, Who established this system down to its minute details and inspired the elements of this system to fulfill their responsibilities. In the 5th verse of Surat al-Sajda, it is stated: "He directs the whole affair from heaven to earth.". In accordance with this rule, the defence cells continue their struggle without rest or duress with this inspiration given to them by God.