What’s Luck Got to Do with Cancer?
What’s luck got to do with cancer – you may well ask, and the answer is, a lot.
A new study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University shows that many types of cancer are caused by random mutations that occur when cells divide, and not so much by genetics and environmental factors as previously believed.
According to the researchers, about two-thirds of the cancers (22) they measured were caused by random mutation of genes that led to cancerous tumors, and only one-third could be attributed to heredity or lifestyle issues. This explains how many with unhealthy lifestyles that include smoking and exposure to sun go on to lead long lives.
Cancers in the remaining group, such as lung and skin cancer may be due to a combination of bad luck, genes, and environment. So, while changing your lifestyle may prove helpful in preventing some type of cancers, it may not be effective for others.
The study has been published in the January 2, 2015 edition of the journal, Science.
Category: News
