Cancer is an accumulation of genetic errors! What is the biggest cause, more than smoking or drinking?

"Cancer is caused by lifestyle disorders."

Do you think this way? Certainly, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are factors that increase the risk of cancer. However, there is a complex mechanism at work in the development of cancer that cannot be explained by these factors alone.

The Root of Cancer is Genetic Error

Recent studies have shown that cancer is caused by a series of genetic abnormalities. Our bodies are built based on genes, which are our blueprint. When errors occur in these genes, cells run amok and transform into cancer cells.

When do genetic errors start?

Previously, it was thought that only cancer cells had genetic errors. However, the latest research has shown that many genetic abnormalities already exist even in cells that appear normal. In other words, cancer does not occur all at once due to mutations, but rather, genetic abnormalities gradually accumulate over a long period of time and eventually transform into cancer cells.

Accumulation of genetic errors due to aging

The biggest cause of the increase in genetic errors is "aging. Cells duplicate genes each time they divide, and copy errors can occur during this process. External damage (ultraviolet rays, radiation, chemicals, etc.) can also cause genetic errors.

The battle between oncogenes and cancer-suppressor genes

Within our genes, there are "oncogenes" that promote cell growth and "cancer suppressor genes" that inhibit cell growth. For cancer to develop, oncogenes must be activated and cancer suppressor genes must be inactivated.

The mechanism of cancer development explained in simple terms

Normal cells: Genes function normally and cells divide in an orderly manner.

Accumulation of genetic errors: Genes gradually begin to become damaged due to aging and environmental factors.

Activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes: As genetic errors accumulate, oncogenes become activated and tumor suppressor genes become inactivated.

Transformation into cancer cells: When oncogenes are activated and tumor suppressor genes are deactivated, cells begin to grow uncontrollably and transform into cancer cells.

Conclusion

The development of cancer is not simply a matter of lifestyle disorder, but is deeply related to a complex mechanism at the genetic level. Genetic errors are inevitable with aging, and everyone is equally at risk for cancer.

Future Prospects

Cancer research is advancing day by day. Advances in gene analysis technology have made it possible to obtain more detailed genetic information, which is expected to lead to the development of personalized treatments. In addition, the importance of lifestyle modification, early detection, and early treatment has been reaffirmed.

What we can do

Eat a well-balanced diet: Eat a well-balanced diet consisting mainly of vegetables and fruits.

Moderate exercise: Regular physical activity can boost the immune system and reduce the risk of lifestyle-related diseases.

Quit smoking: Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of many types of cancer.

Regular checkups: Early detection and treatment can greatly affect the prognosis of cancer.