A recent study by researchers at Yale University brings new understanding about what causes cancer and how much of it we can actually control.
The study looked at the changes, or mutations, in DNA that lead to cancer.
It found that while some cancers are mostly caused by aging and natural changes in the body, many others are strongly linked to our daily choices and the environment around us.
Our DNA can change for many reasons. Sometimes it happens naturally as we grow older. Other times, these changes are caused by outside factors like sunlight or smoking.
The Yale team studied 24 different types of cancer to find out how much each type is affected by things we can avoid. Their goal was to see how preventable some cancers might be if we made healthier choices.
They found that several common cancers in the United States are heavily linked to things people do in their daily lives. Skin cancers—like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma—are mostly caused by too much sun or use of tanning beds. Lung cancer is closely connected to tobacco use.
Bladder cancer can also be caused by chemicals found in tobacco smoke. This means that by not smoking and protecting our skin from too much sun, we could lower the chances of getting these kinds of cancer.
On the other hand, some cancers don’t seem to be as strongly influenced by lifestyle. For example, prostate cancer and certain brain cancers (called gliomas) seem to happen mostly because of changes in DNA that occur naturally with age. This means there’s not much people can do to prevent them.
The research could also help identify groups of people who might be more at risk—like those who work with harmful chemicals. By understanding how both known and unknown factors lead to cancer, scientists might discover more causes and better ways to prevent or treat the disease.
However, the researchers pointed out that their study didn’t include all types of genetic changes. Some more complicated changes—like having extra copies of certain genes—still need more study.
This study was led by Jeffrey Townsend and published in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution. It reminds us that while we can’t control everything, we do have the power to reduce our cancer risk through our choices. Avoiding tobacco, limiting time in the sun, and staying informed about what increases or lowers cancer risk can go a long way.
Other recent studies have added more to this picture. For example, low-carb diets have been linked to a higher risk of cancer, while taking vitamin D supplements might lower the risk of dying from cancer. As scientists continue to learn more, we’ll get a clearer idea of what actions can help us stay healthier.
If you care about cancer, please read studies about common drugs for inflammation may help kill cancer, and statin drugs can starve cancer cells to death.
For more information about cancer, please see recent studies about these two things are key to surviving cancer and results showing common Indian fruit may slow down cancer growth.
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