Environmental factors on the development of cancer

Environmental factors and genetic mutations: Although genetic factors provide some basis for cancer development, environmental factors are also critical. Carcinogenic factors in the environment, such as long-term smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, ultraviolet radiation, chemical exposure, etc., may lead to genetic mutations, which in turn cause cancer. Even if an individual has no obvious genetic predisposition to cancer, long-term exposure to these carcinogenic environments can increase the risk of cancer. For example, long-term heavy smoking is one of the main causes of lung cancer. Harmful substances produced by smoking can damage the DNA of lung cells, trigger gene mutations, and promote the occurrence of lung cancer.

Lifestyle and cancer prevention: A healthy lifestyle helps reduce cancer risk, even in individuals with a genetic predisposition to cancer. Reasonable diet, moderate exercise, maintaining a good state of mind, and avoiding bad living habits can offset the risk brought by genetic factors to a certain extent. Studies have shown that people who adhere to a healthy lifestyle, even those who carry certain cancer-related gene mutations, have a lower risk of cancer than those with an unhealthy lifestyle.