Encountering Cancer in the Maze

 Professor Kim Gyuwon, an expert in cancer, has written a book that chronicles his journey through battling cancer. Having suffered from the disease for a long time, he has lost his sense of smell, taste, and much of his hearing, and he has turned his experiences into a written account. Reading his book evokes a profound sense of goodwill from start to finish, and I am truly grateful for that.

The book consistently raises the question of why cancer attempts to thrive by breaking down its own foundation (the body). It details the progression from initial diagnosis to recurrence, multiple surgeries, and chemotherapy, revealing how he has personally endured the illness he has studied his entire life. He reflects on how chemotherapy leaves traces in the body and what it really means for those who are suffering from it. The book also presents a friendly overview of the history of cancer treatment over the past century, while posing the fundamental question of what life truly is in the search for breakthroughs and limitations in treatment.

While traditional chemotherapy shows definitive effects, it also comes with terrifying side effects. This has led humanity to delve into understanding the body and cells, even reaching the realm of genomics. However, he notes that we have encountered a dilemma where we can’t go further in understanding cells. The fact that cancer treatment has become trapped within cellular issues underscores that cancer is fundamentally a problem of organs, which he argues is often overlooked. He emphasizes that the interactions between cells, as well as their connections beyond their immediate neighbors, are as crucial as the internal cellular issues.

This concept aligns with the work of American psychologist Ken Wilber, who explains the dimensions of atoms, cells, and the entire human body as holons. While we acknowledge that humans are made of cells, we are also so much more than that. Phenomena that do not exist at the cellular level can manifest at the organ level, and human beings can perform functions that are unimaginable to individual organs.

In his book, Professor Kim describes cancer as a phenomenon where certain parts of a multicellular body attempt to revert to a unicellular state. This is akin to how, despite living in a society, each individual inherently possesses a solitary nature. He draws a parallel between this intrinsic aspect and the reasons behind the proliferation of cancer within the social body.

I extend my gratitude and respect to Professor Kim for showcasing profound insights about cancer and life in this small book. Furthermore, I sincerely wish for him to break free from the struggles of cancer and complete his reflections. This is also a light and hope for all of us.