The general perception about Cancer has always been a puzzling disease, mainly linked to genetics. But now, we also see the influence of lifestyle choices. While genetics have long been associated with cancer risk, the spotlight has shifted to epigenetics, a crucial aspect shaping our health and well-being.
Epigenetics, the alteration of gene expression without changing the DNA sequence, is influenced by various factors like environment, lifestyle, and diet. Things like where we live, how we live, and what we eat are all crucial factors. This interaction between genes and environment underscores the complexity of cancer development.
In cancer, abnormal changes in cell behaviour due to changes in epigenetics. Because of these changes some genes that stop tumors are turned off, while others that help cancer grow are turned on and spread throughout the body. Figuring out these changes gives us new ways to treat and prevent cancer.
Researchers are exploring drugs that target and fix these abnormal epigenetic changes, essentially reprogramming cancer cells to behave more like normal cells. This innovative approach holds potential for more effective cancer therapies.
Moreover, epigenetics underscores the impact of lifestyle choices on cancer risk. Factors such as stress, diet, and exposure to environmental toxins influence epigenetic markers, potentially affecting cancer susceptibility. For example, certain foods can change how genes work, affecting cell growth like folate can alter DNA methylation patterns, impacting genes related to cell growth and division.
Chronic stress, too, can lead to changes in epigenetic markers, particularly those associated with immune function and inflammation, making it easier for cancer to grow. Understanding how lifestyle affects epigenetics helps us understand cancer better, so people can make choices to lower their risk.
In essence, epigenetics serves as a bridge between lifestyle choices and cancer risk, highlighting the significant impact of daily decisions on health and well-being. With this evolving understanding, there’s a growing emphasis on healthy habits and environmental awareness to combat cancer.
As our understanding of epigenetics deepens, so too does our recognition of its role in cancer’s multifaceted nature. It shows how genetics, epigenetics, and the environment all play a part in cancer.
It is estimated that 35–50% of the cancer cases worldwide can be prevented by controlling the lifestyle–related risk factors. The need of the hour is to aim for a holistic approach towards building our lifestyle around the “4 Rights” that can help us keep cancer at bay.
- Eat right!
- Consume a plant-based, low carb, low fat, and high-fibre diet. Avoid consumption of processed and red meats. Cut down on the white poisons: Salt, Sugar and Refined flours.
- Work right!
- Be physically active every day. As a general goal, include at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine.
- Maintain the right weight.
- Obesity is a major risk factor for cancer and several other diseases so try and maintain a lean and healthy physique.
- Follow the right habits.
- Stay away from alcohol and quit smoking. Protecting yourself from second-hand as well as third-hand smoke.
- Make quality sleep a priority. Poor and insufficient sleep associated with weight gain, which is a cancer risk factor.
- Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution.
- Get regular health check-up (screening) for detecting cancer at an early stage.
In conclusion, epigenetics represents a pivotal frontier in cancer research, offering new insights into the complex interplay between genetics, environment, and lifestyle in cancer development. By unravelling the mysteries of epigenetic regulation, we are paving the way for more effective cancer prevention and treatment strategies tailored to individual patients.