Cancer is a disease that starts when changes, or mutations, happen in our DNA. These changes can cause cells to grow out of control.
A new study from Yale University helps us understand where these changes come from—and how much we can do to prevent them.
The researchers looked at DNA mutations in 24 types of cancer. They wanted to know how many of these mutations come from outside factors like sunlight or smoking, and how many happen naturally as people age. By studying the DNA of cancer cells, they were able to measure how much influence our environment and choices have on different cancers.
Their results showed that some cancers are strongly linked to our behavior and surroundings. For example, skin cancer is mostly caused by UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. Lung cancer is mainly caused by smoking.
Bladder cancer can also be caused by chemicals in cigarette smoke. These types of cancer can often be prevented by making better choices, like not smoking and staying safe in the sun.
On the other hand, some cancers are harder to avoid. These include prostate cancer and gliomas, a type of brain tumor. These cancers are usually caused by DNA changes that happen as we age, not because of anything we did or were exposed to. This means that even healthy people can sometimes get these cancers.
The study also has a bigger purpose. It could help scientists find out who is most at risk of getting cancer. For example, people who work with dangerous chemicals might have a higher chance of developing certain cancers. If researchers understand which cancers are mostly caused by outside factors, they might discover new ways to prevent or treat them.
But there’s still more to learn. The study didn’t look at every type of DNA change. Some complex changes, like having extra copies of a gene or an entire chromosome, need more research to understand how they affect cancer.
This research, led by Jeffrey Townsend and published in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution, shows that both personal habits and natural aging play a role in cancer. It also reminds us that we can lower our risk for some cancers by making healthier choices.
For example, avoiding tobacco and staying safe in the sun can make a big difference. Other studies have found that eating a very low-carb diet might raise the risk of cancer, while taking vitamin D might lower the risk of dying from cancer.
The more we learn, the more we can take control of our health. While we can’t prevent every kind of cancer, we can still make choices that help protect us.
If you care about cancer, please read studies that artificial sweeteners are linked to higher cancer risk, and how drinking milk affects risks of heart disease and cancer.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and results showing vitamin D supplements strongly reduces cancer death.
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