A study from Yale University has revealed important insights into how different factors contribute to DNA mutations that can lead to cancer.
This research helps explain how much power people actually have to prevent certain types of cancer, and it offers hope that making simple changes in daily life can lower cancer risk.
Cancer happens when DNA in our cells gets damaged or mutated, which can lead to uncontrolled cell growth. Scientists have known for a long time that both internal and external factors can cause these mutations, but this study took a closer look at exactly how much lifestyle and environment play a role.
The researchers examined 24 different types of cancer. They wanted to find out how many of the DNA mutations that cause these cancers came from things people can control—like smoking or spending too much time in the sun—and how many came from natural aging or random processes in the body.
They found that some cancers are very strongly linked to things we do in our daily lives. For example, skin cancer is often caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds.
Lung cancer is closely tied to tobacco use, which makes it one of the most preventable cancers. Bladder cancer can also be influenced by exposure to harmful chemicals, including those found in cigarettes.
This means that avoiding smoking and taking steps to protect the skin from the sun can greatly reduce the chances of getting these cancers. The study clearly shows that many cases of cancer are not just bad luck—they are often linked to preventable behaviors.
On the other hand, the study found that some cancers are much less influenced by outside factors. Prostate cancer and brain cancers known as gliomas are mostly driven by internal processes that come with aging.
These cancers tend to happen when random mutations build up in the body over time. These kinds of changes are harder to control because they are not caused by something in the environment or a bad habit.
Still, the research offers a big step forward in understanding cancer better. It could help scientists figure out which people are more at risk—such as those who work in jobs where they are exposed to harmful chemicals. It could also help uncover new causes of cancer that haven’t yet been fully explained.
The scientists also noted that their study did not look at every kind of genetic change. Some complex mutations, like extra copies of genes or entire chromosomes, still need more research to understand how they affect cancer.
Led by Jeffrey Townsend and published in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution, this study reminds us how important personal and public health choices are in fighting cancer. It encourages people to stay informed and take action where they can.
Quitting smoking, staying out of strong sunlight, and living a healthy lifestyle are all ways to take back some control.
Other recent studies have also found links between diet and cancer. For example, low-carb diets may increase cancer risk, while taking vitamin D supplements might lower the chances of dying from cancer.
As scientists continue to explore the causes of cancer, knowing what we can and cannot change will help everyone make better choices to protect their health.
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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