New Delhi: For many years, people considered cancer to be a genetic defect. However, the latest studies on the science behind our genes, known as epigenetics, show that our destiny may be more flexible than we originally thought. Epigenetics, a field that studies how genes change without altering the sequence of their code, teaches us that external factors can turn a genetic switch—such as one linked to breast cancer—on and off. Environmental influences, like diet, pollution, and stress, can activate or deactivate specific genes involved in cancer. Therefore, prevention is just as important as therapy, as it is still unclear which factors will be identified as clear contributors when defining the boundaries for determining who is at risk for this disease.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Sumanth Kumar M, Consultant – Medical Oncology, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, spoke about the role of epigenetics in cancer diagnosis.
Understanding Epigenetics in Cancer
Unlike genetic mutations that permanently alter DNA, epigenetic modifications are reversible and influenced by lifestyle choices. Three primary mechanisms drive these modifications:
- DNA Methylation: The addition of methyl groups to DNA molecules can silence tumor suppressor genes, preventing them from stopping uncontrolled cell growth.
- Histone Modification: Proteins called histones help package DNA into chromosomes. Chemical changes to histones can either tighten or loosen DNA winding, affecting gene accessibility.
- Non-Coding RNA: Small RNA molecules regulate gene expression, influencing whether cancer-promoting genes are activated or deactivated.
The Role of Environmental Factors
Numerous studies highlight how external influences impact epigenetic regulation. Understanding these factors can empower individuals to make informed choices that promote health and prevent disease.
- Diet and Nutrition: A balanced diet plays a crucial role in regulating epigenetic changes. Nutrients such as folate, vitamin B12, and polyphenols (found in green tea, turmeric, and berries) support healthy DNA methylation, reducing the risk of abnormal cell growth. Conversely, diets high in processed foods, red meat, and excessive alcohol can lead to harmful epigenetic modifications.
- Pollution and Toxins: Air pollution, heavy metals, and exposure to carcinogens such as tobacco and pesticides are known to bring about epigenetic alterations leading to cancer. Studies have shown that individuals in highly polluted environments display more frequent DNA methylation abnormalities, thus increasing their level of risk for cancer.
- Stress and Mental Health: Stress raises levels of a hormone, cortisol, which in turn changes DNA methylation and histone modification, potentially turning oncogenes “on”. Psychological stress is linked to aggressive tumour behaviour and poor responses to treatment.
Hope for the Future: Epigenetics and Cancer Treatment
As epigenetic changes are reversible, this offers promise for cancer prevention and therapy. Now researchers are developing epigenetic drugs, such as DNA methylation inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors, which can return genes to normal functioning. Personalized medicine guided by an individual’s epigenetic pattern should lead to more effective and less toxic treatments.
Environmental factors have a role to play when it comes to chronic and acute health problems, even deadly diseases like cancer. Find out how. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
