A review by studyingnovels
The First Cell: And the Human Costs of Pursuing Cancer to the Last by Azra Raza

4.0

A very informative and eye opening novel in which Dr. Raza shares insight not just on cancer, but into the reality of having cancer or being someone who has a loved one with cancer. For many it is a disease that means death, but for many it has also become a challenge as something they must overcome. I’ll be honest at times it was a difficult read as I have had a relative recently die from a form of cancer and this book does not shy away from the realities of the disease. It is a must read though not just for those who have experienced it in some form, but to also gain a better understanding. Dr. Raza’s vulnerability is on display in this book and it brings faces to the millions of those affected by cancer and for those who decide to learn more. My wish is that we are able to find a cure in this lifetime or at least better policies to detect the disease early. With more awareness and pressure put onto the government, everyday we come closer to providing more life.
As Dr. Raza notes:
“The future is in preventing cancer by identifying the earliest markers of the first cancer cell rather than chasing after the last”