Is Cancer Just “Bad Luck”?
This article explores whether cancer is simply caused by “bad luck” and, from the perspective of scientific research and cancer prevention in Hong Kong, emphasizes the importance of the interaction between environment, lifestyle, and genes.
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Is Cancer Caused by Bad Luck?
This article explores whether cancer is simply caused by “bad luck,” and emphasizes the importance of the interaction between environment, lifestyle, and genes from the perspectives of scientific research and cancer prevention in Hong Kong.
Cancer and Random Mutations
In 2015, a study from Johns Hopkins University published in Science sparked widespread discussion. Researchers suggested that most cancers are not entirely caused by external environmental factors, but rather by random “bad luck” gene mutations during cell division. These mutations are like random traffic accidents—unavoidable to some extent.
The Interplay of Luck and Environmental Factors
Using mathematical models of cell division in 31 tissue types, the study concluded that two-thirds of cancers are linked to random mutations during cell division. However, this model did not account for environmental influences. In reality, viral infections (like hepatitis B), long-term high-fat diets, obesity, smoking, and air pollution can increase cell division and mutation rates, indirectly raising cancer risk.
Hong Kong Perspective: Environment and Lifestyle
In Hong Kong, urban stress, air pollution, high-sugar and high-fat diets, and physical inactivity are major contributors to cancer risk. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), about 85% of cancers are linked to environmental factors, while only about 5% are inherited. This means half of cancers could potentially be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices.
Epigenetics: How Environment Switches Genes On and Off
Lifestyle and environmental toxins not only increase mutations but also affect epigenetic genes—the “switches” that can turn cancer-promoting genes on or tumor-suppressing genes off. Factors like air pollution, stress, alcohol, and tobacco can accelerate cancer development by disrupting these gene switches.
Can Cancer Be Prevented or Reversed?
Scientific research suggests that about 50% of cancers can be prevented through healthy habits:
- Balanced diet
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Limiting processed foods
- Reducing chronic stress and exposure to environmental toxins
For cancers that cannot be prevented, early screening and regular check-ups are crucial, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Conclusion
Cancer is not solely the result of “bad luck.” While random mutations during cell division are unavoidable, lifestyle and environmental factors play a significant role in determining cancer risk. By adopting healthy daily habits and participating in early screening, Hong Kong residents can substantially reduce their cancer risk and improve survival rates.
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References
- Vogelstein, B., Papadopoulos, N., Velculescu, V. E., Zhou, S., Diaz, L. A., & Kinzler, K. W. (2013). Cancer genome landscapes. Science, 339(6127), 1546-1558.
- Tomasetti, C., & Vogelstein, B. (2015). Variation in cancer risk among tissues can be explained by the number of stem cell divisions. Science, 347(6217), 78-81.
- American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). (2020). Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: A Global Perspective.
- Cancer Research UK. (2021). Causes of cancer you can control.