Contagious Cause: The American Hunt for Cancer Viruses and the Rise of Molecular Medicine

Cancer was once considered a contagious disease, but today, nearly one in six cancers are thought to have an infectious cause. The search for a human cancer virus in America led to a campaign that merged molecular biology, public health, and military planning, but its expansion into biomedical research sparked fierce conflict. The book explores the century-long hunt for a cancer virus and how it shaped our understanding of life at its most fundamental levels.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2019
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

In the late 19th century, there was a widespread belief that cancer was a contagious disease, fueled by the search for a cancer "germ" and the hope that strategies used against infectious diseases, such as vaccination, could be effective in combating it. However, this belief also sparked controversy and fear. Today, approximately one in six cancers is believed to have an infectious cause, but the journey to understanding this has been complex and turbulent.

A Contagious Cause is a groundbreaking book that delves into the century-long quest for a human cancer virus in America. This effort, which involved the collaboration of molecular biologists, public health experts, and military planners, aimed to translate laboratory discoveries into practical medical therapies. The government's campaign in this pursuit was vast, surpassing the scale of the Human Genome Project. However, its expansion into biomedical research sparked intense debates among biologists, with some dismissing the idea of curing cancer through vaccines or other means as unrealistic or even dangerous.

While the American search for a cancer virus ultimately proved unsuccessful, it had a profound impact on our understanding of life at its fundamental levels. The book uniquely connects laboratory research and legislative processes, shedding light on the complex interplay between science and American politics. It adds a new chapter to the histories of both science and politics, highlighting the challenges and controversies that arise when scientific discoveries intersect with societal needs and values.

In conclusion, while the belief that cancer was contagious in the past sparked fear and controversy, today's scientific understanding suggests that infectious causes play a role in a significant number of cancers. The search for a cancer virus in America, driven by government initiatives and scientific collaboration, has had a lasting impact on our understanding of life and the challenges faced in the pursuit of medical therapies. A Contagious Cause provides valuable insights into this complex history and its implications for the future of cancer research and treatment.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 154 x 228 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226628370