New research reveals the split between lifestyle-driven and age-related cancer risks
Summary of Yale Cancer Study Findings:
- Some cancers are preventable – e.g., skin and lung cancers are strongly linked to UV exposure and smoking.
- Lung cancer is highly avoidable – mainly caused by tobacco use.
- Skin cancers mostly due to UV rays – from sun or tanning beds.
- Bladder cancer linked to environmental toxins – like chemicals in tobacco smoke.
- Other cancers less preventable – e.g., prostate cancer and brain gliomas are more age-related.
- The study analyzed 24 cancer types – comparing DNA mutations from external vs. internal causes.
- Not all genetic changes were included – complex mutations like extra chromosomes need more research.
- Healthy choices reduce risk – avoid smoking, limit sun exposure, and stay informed on health findings.
- Public health impact – findings can guide prevention policies and workplace protections.
- Study led by Prof. Jeffrey Townsend – published in Molecular Biology and Evolution.
What Really Causes Cancer?
A new study from Yale University answers an important question in medicine. It looks at how much control we really have over cancer
The researchers looked at DNA mutations in 24 types of cancer. They found that some cancers are linked to lifestyle choices. Other cancers are more likely caused by natural changes in the body over time
The Science Behind the Damage
“Cancer happens when the DNA inside our cells gets damaged,” the study explains. That damage can be caused by natural aging processes or external exposures, such as UV rays or tobacco smoke. The team compared DNA changes across cancer types to determine what portion of mutations were due to outside influences versus internal, age-related processes.
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Cancers We Can Help Prevent
The researchers of Yale identified several common cancers as being largely preventable.
“Skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma are largely caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.”
Another big one? Lung cancer.
“It is mostly caused by smoking tobacco,” the study notes, calling it “one of the most preventable cancers.”
Bladder cancer also made the list, “influenced by chemicals found in tobacco smoke and other environmental toxins.”
Lifestyle Matters
“These results underline the power of personal choices in protecting our health.”
The report is clear: quitting smoking, staying away from secondhand smoke, and protecting your skin from UV rays can make a big difference.
And the Ones We Can’t Control
But not every cancer can be stopped with sunscreen or clean air.
“Prostate cancer and gliomas (a type of brain tumor)… were found to be less influenced by outside factors.”
These forms appear to develop primarily due to aging and the body’s internal genetic changes. Even people who live very healthy lives may not be able to avoid them.
Why This Matters
“This distinction between preventable and less-preventable cancers is important,” the researchers say. It shifts how individuals and public health systems target prevention.
Understanding what’s within our control gives us a roadmap for reducing risks where possible. “It could help identify workers in industries where exposure to harmful substances is high, or guide future studies that look for unknown causes of cancer.”
What’s Next in Research?
The Yale study, published in Molecular Biology and Evolution, was led by Professor Jeffrey Townsend. It focused on DNA mutations but left out more complex genetic changes such as extra gene copies or whole chromosomes. “These were not part of this research and need more study in the future.”
Takeaway: Choices Still Matter
While not every cancer is preventable, many are—especially the ones driven by habits and environment.
“The key message is clear: healthy choices like not smoking, avoiding too much sun, and staying aware of new health research can truly make a difference in lowering the risk of certain cancers.”
The Yale study joins others that point to actionable prevention, including research showing that “low-carb diets might raise cancer risk,” and that “vitamin D supplements may lower the risk of dying from cancer.”
Source: Yale University study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution
