Genetics vs. Lifestyle: What Actually Increases Cancer Risk?
- Understanding the drivers of cancer risk often involves a complex balance between genetic predisposition and daily habits.
- Sachin Trivedi, Director of Medical Oncology at HCG Cancer Centre, most people who develop cancer do not have a family history of the disease.
- Family history refers to the genetic factors passed from parents to children.
Understanding the drivers of cancer risk often involves a complex balance between genetic predisposition and daily habits. While family history is a significant factor for some, medical experts emphasize that lifestyle choices generally have a more substantial impact on an individual’s overall risk of developing the disease.
According to Dr. Sachin Trivedi, Director of Medical Oncology at HCG Cancer Centre, most people who develop cancer do not have a family history of the disease. This suggests that for the majority of patients, the onset of cancer is not primarily driven by inherited genetic mutations.
The Role of Genetics and Family History
Family history refers to the genetic factors passed from parents to children. However, the influence of these inherited genes is relatively limited compared to environmental factors. Research indicates that only about 5 to 10 per cent of cancers are strongly linked to inherited genes.
Despite this low percentage, certain patterns can indicate a higher risk. Dr. Trivedi notes that individuals with two or more close family members—such as a parent or sibling—who have had cancer may be more likely to develop the disease themselves.
This increased risk is not solely due to shared genes. It can also be attributed to shared environments and common lifestyle habits that families often maintain together.
Impact of Lifestyle Choices
Lifestyle factors are considered to have a much larger influence on cancer risk than genetics. Some data suggests that environmental and lifestyle factors contribute between 90 and 95 per cent of the risk, while genetic factors account for only 5 to 10 per cent.
Specific habits that are known to increase the risk of developing cancer include:
- Smoking
- Poor dietary choices
- Physical inactivity
Conversely, adopting healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce overall risk. This includes maintaining a nutritious diet and staying active, which helps mitigate the risks associated with both environmental triggers and potential genetic predispositions.
Prevention and Proactive Management
Having a family history of cancer does not mean a person will definitely develop the disease. Instead, it serves as a signal to be more proactive about health management.
Medical professionals recommend several strategies for those with an increased risk profile:
- Engaging in regular screenings to detect potential issues early.
- Working with a doctor to create a personalized prevention plan.
- Prioritizing early detection and preventive care to improve health outcomes.
Dr. Sachin Trivedi, Director- Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre
If you do have a family history of cancer, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor. You can work together to come up with a plan that includes things you can do to prevent cancer, regular check-ups, and ways to catch cancer early
By combining regular medical surveillance with healthy habits, individuals can better manage their risk, regardless of their genetic background.