Henrietta Lacks Research Papers

Have you ever heard of Henrietta Lacks, Phineas Gage, or Douglas Mawson? All of these people underwent major struggles for the sake of science, but one stands out more than the rest. Henrietta Lacks was a woman who died at age 31 due to cervical cancer; her cells helped form a multi-million dollar industry (“Immortal Cells, Enduring Issues”). Phineas Gage was a railroad worker who had once shoved a iron rod into a blasting hole, which caused the rod to shoot into his skull. Gage faced side effects from this that led scientists to uncover details on the frontal lobe of the brain, and brain disorders (“The Man with the Hole in his Brain”). Lastly, Douglas Mawson was an explorer who was leader of a group exploring uncharted territory in Antarctica.

For example, some would say Lacks faced more adversity because she had cervical cancer. Cancer is a very horrible disease, but the way Mawson had to live was horrible too. He had open sores and peeling skin, and with all of that, had to walk 100 miles to shelter. In addition, while in surgery, Lacks’ surgeons sliced part of her tumor and healthy cervical tissue off without her permission. This created a series of people that felt that they could not trust their doctors with their confidential information, and that they were hiding things from them (“Immortal Cells, Enduring Issues”). Although this was tragic for Lack’s, it was more tragic for Mawson to have both of his partners die, and leave him alone wandering back to shelter-with barely any supplies-in unknown territory. Lastly, others believe that Phineas Gage had greater struggles. Although Phineas was living with a hole in his brain, when his accident happened he was still up, talking and really just continued on with his life (as found in Phineas Gage). Meanwhile, Mawson was living alone wondering if he would survive. Phineas had doctors and family; Mawson was physically and mentally injured and completely alone. Even when some try to argue that Lacks or Gage faced the greatest adversity, it is obvious they are