A new study from Yale University is helping scientists understand what causes cancer and how much we can do to prevent it.
The study looked at how DNA mutations—changes in our genetic material—lead to cancer, and which of these mutations come from things we can control, like smoking or too much sun exposure.
The researchers studied 24 different types of cancer to find out how much each one is influenced by outside factors such as lifestyle and the environment. They compared these with changes that happen naturally inside the body as we age.
Their results showed that some cancers are strongly linked to things people do, while others are mostly caused by internal processes that we cannot control.
Some of the most preventable cancers are also among the most common in the U.S. For example, skin cancers like melanoma and basal cell carcinoma are often caused by too much exposure to UV light from the sun or tanning beds.
Lung cancer is another major example—most cases are due to smoking. Even bladder cancer can be influenced by chemicals found in tobacco smoke and other harmful substances.
These results send a clear message: making healthier choices, like not smoking and protecting your skin from the sun, can greatly reduce your cancer risk.
However, not all cancers are preventable. Some types, such as prostate cancer and gliomas (a kind of brain tumor), are more likely to be caused by aging and natural changes in the body’s cells. These types of cancer are less affected by lifestyle and environmental exposures.
Understanding which cancers are preventable and which are not can help doctors and scientists in many ways. It can lead to better public health messages and guide future research to find out what other things might cause cancer.
The study also pointed out that there are still some genetic changes they couldn’t fully study—like large changes in chromosomes or extra copies of certain genes. These areas need more research.
The research, led by Jeffrey Townsend and published in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution, reminds us that we do have some control over our cancer risk. While we can’t stop all types of cancer, many can be prevented with better habits and smart choices.
Other studies have added to this picture. For example, some research has found that people who follow low-carb diets may have a higher risk of cancer. On the other hand, vitamin D supplements might help reduce the chance of dying from cancer.
In the end, the message is hopeful. By understanding which factors we can control, people can make better choices to protect their health. Science is still learning more every day, but this study offers useful guidance: small changes in our daily lives could make a big difference in preventing cancer.
If you care about cancer, please read studies that a low-carb diet could increase overall cancer risk, and vitamin D supplements could strongly reduce cancer death.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about how drinking milk affects the risks of heart disease and cancer and results showing higher intake of dairy foods linked to higher prostate cancer risk.
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