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Oncotarget

How Environmental Exposures Affect Genes and Increase Cancer Risk

Mar 8, 2025
Discover the intriguing link between environmental factors and cancer risk. Experts discuss how pollution, diet, and chronic stress can trigger genetic changes leading to cancer. It's revealed that nearly everyone is exposed to harmful elements daily, with over 99% of the population breathing polluted air. The dangers of processed foods, tobacco smoke, and UV radiation are highlighted, showcasing how these factors can damage DNA and disrupt the body's repair mechanisms. Understanding these connections could be key in cancer prevention and public health initiatives.
04:11

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Quick takeaways

  • Environmental factors, or exposomes, significantly interact with genetic material, increasing cancer risk through pollution, diet, and stress.
  • Positive lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, could potentially prevent up to 40% of cancer cases.

Deep dives

Impact of Environmental Exposures on Genetic Risk Factors

Environmental factors, known as exposomes, significantly interact with genetic material to influence cancer risk. Pollution, dietary choices, infections, and chronic stress can trigger genetic alterations that potentially lead to the development of cancer. For instance, exposures to polluted air, tobacco smoke, and processed foods can cause DNA damage, which disrupts the body's innate repair mechanisms. These alterations accumulate over time, increasing cancer risk and highlighting the relevance of understanding these interactions for effective cancer prevention strategies.

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