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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the 1960s, Bruce Ames at Berkeley stumbled upon a test for what?

2. The study of _________viruses is discussed.

3. Scientists begin to analyze genes that were altered in mutant viruses and attempted to isolate what?

4. Mukherjee discusses a new drug for the treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). _________________ seemed to be the right drug to conquer CML.

5. For whom is the Pap smear named?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Phyllis Clauson at first not believed? Is this surprising? Why or why not?

2. What is meant by a "Risky Prediction?"

3. What was STAMP? How did this bring hope to those who suffered from cancer?

4. What did Percival Pott notice? How is this significant?

5. Why was the battle to attack pre-cancer versus full blown cancer significant?

6. Why did doctors dismiss the cancer found in chimney sweeps? How did cancer continue to be dismissed by others throughout time?

7. What problems could arise with genetic engineering?

8. What are two reasons why studies into the connection between lung cancer and tobacco were inconclusive?

9. Who were virologists?

10. What is the Red Queen Syndrome?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In 1968, Farber celebrated the 21st anniversary of the Jimmy Fund.

Part 1) What was the Jimmy Fund? How was the fact it had celebrated its 21st anniversary important? Who was Jimmy? How is his life significant to the study of cancer?

Part 2) What is also significant about what is known about his reasons for survival? What does this also say about cancer and cancer research?

Part 3) What other celebrities are found in this book? Who became a celebrity because of cancer? Why? How did this affect cancer research and the public's support of cancer research? How are celebrities today still important to various medical organizations? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Mukherjee ends the book with the tale of Germaine.

Part 1) What is this tale? Who was Germaine? How is this story important to the book? Why might the author end with this story?

Part 2) What does this story say about the author's view of cancer? Is he as optimistic as James Watson? Why or why not?

Part 3) Do you agree with the author's view of cancer? Why or why not? How does this ending affect your feelings towards this book? How does this affect the ultimate mood of the book? Was this a good way to end the book? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

"Farber's Gauntlet" details the story of Robert Sandler.

Part 1) Who was Robert Sandler? How is his story important? How is it connected to the study of cancer and disease?

Part 2) Why is importance placed on this case? What does this say about the fight against cancer? Is this same mentality seen regarding other diseases? Why or why not?

Part 3) Would doctors today see Robert Sandler's case as some sort of success, if he was a patient today? Why or why not? What does this say about cancer research today?

(see the answer keys)

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