Hela+Cells+and+Cancer+Research

=**Henrietta Lacks and her Amazing Cells**= (August 1, 1920 – October 4, 1951)

===Henrietta Lacks was only 31 years old when, in 1951, she was found to have cervical cancer. A sample of her tumor was removed by a doctor at John Hopkins Hospital, in Baltimore, and the tissue saved became the first line of immortal human cells. The cells propagated like no other cells had before and were called Hela cells for the first two initials of Henrietta Lacks first and last name.===

===Hela cells have been used all over the world and in many laboratories to study diseases and to try to find cures for many illnesses. Hela cells were instrumental in finding a poliovirus vaccine. Hela cells have been part of many other research studies. Also, there is a book called //The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks// by Rebecca Skloot. To watch the video with Rebecca Skloot talking about Hela Cells go here.===

===During the time of huge discoveries in science using Hela cells, the family of Henrietta Lacks was unaware of the successes surrounding these cells. As her family became conscious of the implications of the immortal cells, there also arose many disagreements about the ethics of informed consent for patients.=== ===With this incredible story of Henrietta Lacks, her cells, her family, and changes made in the medical field as well as bioethics, what does the future hold?===


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