New Study on Genetics and Healthy Lifestyle Habits’ Influence
New study shows that only 5% to 10% of cancers result from the genes we inherit. A healthy lifestyle is critical to lowering cancer risk, and unhealthy habits are accountable for at least 60% of cancer cases.
Researchers from the American Cancer Society have recently presented findings that provide insights into how our lifestyle habits significantly influence our cancer risk. According to their study, about 40% of the total cancer cases in the American population can be attributed to modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, being overweight and alcohol consumption.
Key Findings
- 40% of all American cancer cases can be attributed to modifiable risk factors, primarily smoking, obesity, and alcohol consumption. Lifestyle factors may contribute up to 60% if other elements like air and water pollution are included.
- Genetics account for just 5–10% of cancers, with lifestyle factors being the primary contributors. Even for genetically predisposed individuals, healthy living can lower cancer risk.
- The study highlights the need for wider access to preventive healthcare and awareness about risk factor modification.
- To prevent cancer, key focus areas include quitting smoking, minimizing alcohol, maintaining healthy weight, getting HPV vaccinations, and regular cancer checks.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is critical to lowering cancer risk. Despite some unavoidable hereditary risks, lifestyle significantly influences cancer risk.
In reality, this 40% figure may be an underestimate since critical elements like the impact of water and air pollution aren’t accounted for in the data. As explained by the lead author of the study, Dr. Farhad Islami, with these supplemental factors, lifestyle influences may account for at least 60% of cancer cases.
The study highlights that among the modifiable risk factors, smoking ranks as the top contributor, contributing to nearly 20% of all cancer cases and 30% of all cancer deaths.
Genetics vs. Lifestyle
The role of genetics in cancer risk isn’t undermined; however, the share it contributes is relatively small. Genetic factors are found to cause only 5–10% of cancers, with lifestyle factors predominating as the primary contributors to cancer risk.
Interestingly, even in cases when an individual has a genetic disposition towards a specific cancer, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly lower this risk. Implementing preventive measures, especially for those with a family history of cancer, can further help reduce risks.
The results of the study reinforce the essentiality of preventive healthcare measures and awareness regarding the same. Senior study author Dr. Ahmedin Jemal stressed the need for increasing equitable access to preventive health care and awareness about preventive measures.
Taking Charge of Your Health
The American Cancer Society identified several controllable risk factors that the public can focus on to prevent cancer, such as:
- Stopping or never starting to smoke
- Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Getting your HPV vaccinations
- Scheduling regular skin cancer checks and using protection against UV radiation
- Undertaking routine colon and breast cancer screenings
However, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider about how to best manage these modifiable risk factors.
While some cancers are hereditary, their occurrence is less prevalent. As Huma Rana, MD, MPH, Clinical Director of Cancer Genetics and Prevention at Dana Farber Cancer Institute explains, only 5% to 10% of cancers result from the genes we inherit. Notably, people with a family history of cancer aren’t necessarily at a higher risk since most cancers happen sporadically and are not inherited.
However, exceptions do exist. For instance, Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition, increases the risk for colorectal and uterine cancer. Similarly, individuals with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations have an elevated risk for breast and ovarian cancers. Genetic testing can confirm the presence of these gene mutations and help determine individual cancer risk.
Act Upon What You Can Control
In conclusion, adopting and adhering to healthy lifestyle habits is critical to significantly reducing your cancer risk. By targeting the modifiable risk factors, everyone can proactively work towards preventing cancer, ultimately leading to a healthier life. Despite the unavoidable hereditary risks, your lifestyle plays a significant role in shaping the risk of developing cancer.
Do you want to share your story and inspire our readers ? Know that YOUR EXPERTISE is paving the way for a fairer, happier society.
