Twenty years ago, my uncle Alfredo was diagnosed with cancer, a tragedy for the family. During the conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, he was smiling because he was sure he would soon recover. We all had the same hope, but the cancer got worse. Sadly, my uncle passed away while we were waiting for a miraculous cure. Until now, we all feel helplessness and frustration because medicine could not save him.
Incurable diseases are those health conditions that do not have a definitive cure or complete treatment that allows the patient’s full recovery. These diseases persist over time and can generate chronic or progressive symptoms affecting the quality of life. Although there is no cure, palliative treatments can often alleviate symptoms and improve patient comfort.
For now, viruses are the culprits because they are tough to eliminate from the body and resistant to drugs. The more we learn about viruses and the diseases we are exposed to, the more likely we will find remedies for all health disorders, perhaps in 40 or 50 years.
What are the most common incurable diseases?
1️⃣ Cold. It is the most common illness globally, and even healthy people suffer from it about twice a year. Colds are caused by various viruses that impact the nose and throat cells.
2️⃣ Influenza. It is another of the most common diseases caused by a virus in the cells of the nose, throat, and lungs. It is sometimes fatal and always with greater risk for immunocompromised individuals and older people.
3️⃣ Cancer. Each year, 20 million cases of cancer are diagnosed. Research in the field of oncology is a top priority, and the search for a successful drug is the great challenge of science in this century.
4️⃣ Alzheimer’s disease. Well over 50 million people worldwide live with Alzheimer’s, a neurological disorder caused by the progressive degeneration of brain cells. Current drugs help patients to remain independent for as long as possible because they slow down the development of the disease.
