By Harshita Shrivastava3 minute read
Table of Contents
Why blockchain?
A blockchain is a ledger that stores data in Cryptographically
secured segments called blocks. Since copies of the blocks are stored on a
distributed network of computers rather than a central server, it is commonly
referred to as a decentralized system. Blockchains are difficult to hack
because doing so would require simultaneously altering every connected computer
that is “running the blockchain.” Peer-to-peer data exchanges and secure
record-keeping are just two applications of this technology. Like the
well-known Bitcoin, several blockchains have “native” digital coins or Cryptos
that can act as a medium of exchange, power and verify transactions, or perform
other functions.
Talking about the concept, a fully decentralized public blockchain
has no centralized authority. However, to varied degrees, blockchains can also
be “private” chains that can only be accessed and managed by particular groups
of people or users. These private blockchains are proven helpful in research
and treatment settings for safe data management.
The above-mentioned characteristic features of blockchain make it
worthy of being a part of the healthcare field and helping in curing diseases
like Cancer.
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Blockchain and Cancer
Around the world, Cancer is a serious issue for public health. In
2018, an estimated 1.7 million new Cancer cases were detected in the United
States. With time, it is anticipated that this number will dramatically rise.
Finding a Cancer cure is hampered by a number of obstacles. Data
challenges, the difficulty of promptly accessing the efficacy of new
treatments, and the funding needed to support research and therapy are among
the main ones. Thankfully, blockchain technology is already offering ways to
overcome these obstacles and advance the search for a Cancer cure. Let’s check
some crucial points.
#1 Data is crucial
The key to curing Cancer is accessing and analyzing as much
information as you can about the disease. blockchain-based medical data
solutions have already been developed and put to the test.
The accessibility and patient ownership of such data are the main
advantages of employing blockchain technology for the storage and processing of
medical data. These advantages work just as well for Cancer patients as they do
for other patients of medicine on their own.
Blockchain is particularly valuable for Cancer data since it
allows patients to share their medical records for the study. Collating medical
data from potential patients around the world will give doctors and researchers
access to previously unprecedented amounts of information about the ailment
they are trying to cure. Of course, this data will need to be anonymized, and
there will undoubtedly be regulatory challenges.
#2 Easy information sharing
means more effective treatments
Finding a cure for Cancer requires knowledge about Cancer
treatments and their outcomes. Information is crucial in clinical trials and
patient responses to current treatments. Blockchain technology can be helpful
in this regard by enabling both patients and doctors to work together to treat
patients and share their treatment experiences.
#3 Targeted Cancer fundraising
Blockchain technology excels at creating potential chances for
decentralized governance and transparency. As a result, blockchain may prove to
be the miracle answer for ensuring that funding goes to the most effective
Cancer research projects.
Although it doesn’t seem like Cancer fundraising has yet been
integrated into a blockchain, having a visible and traceable way for
contributors to support Cancer research is likely to boost donations and
encourage participation among researchers. A catalyst for promoting effective,
open, and cooperative research efforts might be created by placing Cancer
funding on a blockchain and enabling the scientific community to participate in
that blockchain’s governance.
Final words
Blockchain is far beyond Bitcoin. While Cryptos like Bitcoin go up and down in
price and popularity, blockchain technology is flexible in nature and has a
number of applications. Blockchain has the potential to transform the world,
and the recent developments in the healthcare and medical field are very
encouraging.
Deadly disease like Cancer has evaded a cure for several years,
and the adoption of blockchain technology is something the whole medical
community needs. It will be interesting to see what more blockchain technology
has to bring to the table.