The roles of driver mutations include (i) oncogenic mutation(s), that drive the cell to proliferate, (ii) loss of tumor suppressor(s). Tumor suppressors inhibit tumor to develop. Probably (iii) something that makes the cancer cells difficult to kill or die (or ensure survival), should be included as a role as well. For malignancy, (iv) ability to metastasize (move around), is important.
[In case you are interested, read "Hallmarks of Cancer: The Next Generation" (2011) Hanahan and Weinberg]
One thing that plays a role in overall cancer development is genomic instability that we study. Genomic instability is something that increases the odds of occurrences of mutations. Once genomic instability is introduced, chances of another and the other and more mutations increase.
I am not using this blog for talking about my own science much. But the concept of progressive genomic instability in colon cancer development was among what we proposed in our Review article (click to the open access [means free] article) in 2013.
[CIN (Chromosome Instability) is a cause of genomic instability]
An insight for mechanisms should lead to an idea for solution. So we introduced a few studies that may lead to solutions for preventing cancer by selectively killing cells with genomic instability. I am still working on the line of studies in hopes of preventing and curing cancers through being able to target cells with genomic instability in the body.
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Lately, we have seen a lot of terrorism-related incidents. A common thread is that random mass-murdering were done by radical extremists of religions or ideologies. They did the mass-murdering acts based on their extreme and radical beliefs.
They start out from regular practitioners of their belief systems, then developed to mass-murdering terrorists. As current Pope said, extremism is a common issue among various religions (that include Islam and Christian, even Buddhism).
It's not only for religions. Recent Planned Parenthood shooting was done by a guy with extreme ideology, a twisted and violent version of anti-abortionism, it seems. I'd include him as a radical extremist, although, technically, he may not be a terrorist according to a strict definition of the word. But practically, he incited fear in the community, so he is well-qualified as terrorist.
Now, if I apply our knowledge on development of cancer to the development of radical extremists, what kind of analogous parallelism can we find?
It is the action that finally makes them terrorists, but before the action, there are transformations inside. To be fully developed as radical extremist, before they act and kill (cancer), they have to gain something (oncogenic mutations) and lose something (tumor suppressors).
What they gain would be methods and/or skills to murder many people. Then a will to act and kill.
What they lose would be respect for human lives. That is for other people's and probably for their own lives.
What factors would act as accelerators for the mutations toward radicalization, as an equivalent of genomic instability? That would be (a) your choice to embrace radical thoughts, and/or (b) constant supply (indoctrination) or availability of radical thoughts. Human minds are flexible and pliable. Certain minds may be more so than others. Certain personalities and minds may have higher affinity to radical instructions.
So what would help stopping your own radicalization?
(i) Distance yourself from killing methods.
Gun control actually is a method for this (not the method, though).
(ii) Don't act on killing.
Among various religions, "Do not kill/though shall not murder" is among top instructions or commandments. Remember that. That means you are not going to heaven if you kill. Radical extremists twist common teaching of religions here.
(iii) Maintain respect for life.
Oddly enough, this may be difficult.
(iv) Distance yourself from radical instructions.
Turn off the d**n radio. Stay away from the news channel that is known to be biased for extremist view. Forget what that notorious preacher/imam/rabbi said. If you are in his group, why not getting out. If you are constantly posting politically or religiously extreme views in your Facebook page, you may need to consider cutting it by not visiting the original websites, much less re-posting them. When you are re-posting someone else's message, check whether you are a pawn for propaganda by a demagogue.
(v) Ask yourself, "what's good to promoting a radical view?"
If you think you are doing it for greater good, or doing God's work, by restricting others, probably you are doing it wrong. Be careful there.
In this opinionated world, you may feel belong by employing a position, and may even feel superior or strong if your opinion is radical. But it is fine to be on the middle of the road. Silent majority is a good place to be. If you feel killing is wrong and follow the feeling, at least you are unlikely to end up as a terrorist.
Prevention of radical extremism starts from each person's mind. Discouraging environments that breed radical extremism should be important, too. Only after that, prevention of the act can work.
