Many of the most common cancers in the United States are influenced by human choices.
For example, excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light increases the risk of skin cancer, while smoking is a major cause of lung cancer.
However, scientists have long struggled to determine how much a person’s cancer comes from preventable actions versus natural aging or random genetic changes.
A recent study from Yale University has shed light on this question. Researchers examined DNA changes in tumors from 24 different types of cancer to find out what factors contributed the most to their growth.
They looked at specific genetic mutations linked to environmental exposures, such as UV light and tobacco smoke, and then measured how much these mutations played a role in cancer development.
The results showed that some cancers are more influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors, while others are largely due to aging and natural genetic changes.
For example, tumors in the bladder and skin were strongly linked to preventable exposures, meaning they might be more controllable through lifestyle choices. On the other hand, prostate cancer and gliomas (a type of brain cancer) were found to be mostly caused by aging and internal biological processes.
One important application of this research is identifying hidden environmental risks. If certain professions or communities have unusually high rates of cancer, this method could help uncover exposure to cancer-causing substances. By pinpointing what is driving tumor growth, public health officials might be able to take action to reduce these risks.
While the study provides valuable insights, it does not account for all possible genetic changes that lead to cancer. Some complex mutations, such as duplicated genes or extra chromosomes, were not included in the current analysis. More research is needed to fully understand how these genetic alterations contribute to tumor development.
Despite these limitations, the findings could have major benefits. By understanding what factors are responsible for different types of cancer, health officials and policymakers may be able to take earlier action to prevent cancer from developing in at-risk groups. This could ultimately save lives by reducing exposure to harmful substances before they cause widespread harm.
The study, conducted by Jeffrey Townsend and his team, was published in Molecular Biology and Evolution.
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