CANCER CAUSES: THE USUAL SUSPECTS

We believe that  the problem with the standard "genes and lifestyle" argument is that it ignores the problem of harmful chemicals: there is a large and ever increasing scientific literature clearly documenting links between chemicals and cancer – why this is evidence is often ignored or downplayed should be of major concern to anyone genuinely concerned about disease prevention.

 

Genetic Factors

There has been considerable interest in the genetic causes of cancer for many years now. The theory here is that if we understand which genes are responsible for uncontrolled cell division, then it might be possible to treat the cancerous cells. In addition, there is the notion that many cancers are genetically inherited and that the disease is therefore a problem of heredity.

However a landmark study of 90,000 Swedish twins showed that the environment is the main cause of cancer in that if a twin got cancer the other did not necessarily get it, showing that environmental factors are mainly to blame.

It is also known that a relatively small percent of breast cancers are inherited. Breast cancer is a relatively uncommon disease in Asian women but when they adopt Western habits the incidence starts to rise thereby indicating that it is something external to them that is causing the disease.

Lifestyle Habits

It is clear that certain lifestyle habits - for example, smoking, excess alcohol, sun-bathing - expose people to an increased risk of cancer. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the causes of cancer are not only due to lifestyle choices. For example, the number of people getting lung cancer who do not smoke is rising and this may be because of atmospheric pollution. Sunshine is becoming increasingly pervasive due to chemicals damaging the ozone layer that normally protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays. A diet rich in animal fats may expose us to high levels of lipophilic (fat loving) carcinogens which may not have been present in pre-industrial times.

We at the CPES believe that the appeal of the standard "genes and lifestyle" argument is that they let another real enemy, synthetic chemicals, off the hook.