Can We Prevent Cancer? 🛡️🧬

In my last post, we talked about what happens when a cell becomes a cancer cell. Today, let’s talk about environmental and preventable risk factors that contribute to cancer..

We know that genetics plays a role, and some cancers are inherited. But beyond genetics, there are layers of risk factors that we can control.

🔬 Have You Heard of Epigenetics?

Epigenetics refers to factors that influence gene expression without changing the actual DNA sequence. It can protect us or increase our risk of disease.

Think of your DNA as a thread wrapped around small balls called nucleosomes. The accessibility of DNA is controlled by epigenetic modifications.

🧬 If DNA is tightly packed (heterochromatin), it’s less accessible.

🛑 If DNA is looser (euchromatin), certain genes—including disease-causing ones—may become active.

🏠 How Does the Environment Influence Cancer Risk?

Your lifestyle and surroundings can modify chromatin structure, making harmful genes more or less active. For example:

✅ If you inherit harmful mutations but they stay silent, your risk is lower.

❌ If your environment triggers those genes to become active, your risk increases.

⚠️ Key Environmental Risk Factors for Cancer:

1️⃣ Unhealthy Diet & Chronic Inflammation – Obesity, ultra-processed foods, and inflammatory triggers increase cancer risk. 🥤🍔

2️⃣ Tobacco smoking, air pollution, asbestos exposure. 

3️⃣ Chemical Exposure – Certain cosmetics, hair products, plastics, and banned chemicals can disrupt cellular health. 🧴☠️

4️⃣ Disrupted sleep, impacting circadian rhythm.

5️⃣ Ultraviolet light exposure is not good for skin. 

6️⃣ Tattoos? – A recent study suggests that tattoo inks may pose risks. 🖋️

🏃 What Can We Do?

While we can’t control our genes, we can lower our risk by:

🥗 Eating whole, natural foods and reducing inflammatory triggers.

🚿 Minimizing chemical exposure—be mindful of cosmetics & household products.

🤔 Considering the long-term effects before making lifestyle choices (e.g., tattoos).

🔄 What Else Comes to Mind?

What other preventative measures do you think we should talk about? Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️

We will talk more about ultra processed foods next.