Bad luck with random DNA errors is responsible for two-thirds of cancer mutations, study says

[Zorro]

Even in a world with a pristine environment, no cigarettes and the ability to fix faulty genes inherited from our parents, most of the cancers diagnosed today still would occur thanks to a combination of biology and bad luck.

Every new case of cancer depends on a collection of specific mutations in our DNA, and a sweeping new study finds that 66% of the mutations that put us at risk for cancer are the result of unavoidable errors made by cells as they copy themselves millions of times throughout our lives.

In research published Thursday in the journal Science, geneticist Bert Vogelstein and biostatistician Cristian Tomasetti demonstrate that most cancer risk stems not from bad genes, environmental toxins or poor lifestyle choices, but from simple random mutations.

Every time a normal cell divides, about three mutations occur. The body has ingenious DNA-repair mechanisms to limit the damage, and not all mutations occur in parts of the genome that are active. So sometimes our luck is good, Vogelstein said.

http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-cancer-bad-luck-20170323-story.html

[Marthe48]

1. My husband passed away in Jan

esophageal cancer, at the stomach. He not only had cancer in his family, he was also exposed to asbestos in his workplaces and probably the Army. He qualified to get settlements from a class action lawsuit, but we always watched for signs of lung cancer. He told his doctors, but they didn't really intensify his care. He got a colonoscopy every 5 years, because his dad had colon cancer. But nobody watched for other cancers, either from his genetics or from asbestos.

I hope I can raise awareness that if you have cancer in your family, or if you are in a class action lawsuit for any reason, make sure you make your dr. aware of your health history. And remind them every time you see them. And pay attention to the 7 warning signs of cancer. I told him to get his light, dry cough checked, but he sloughed it off and I didn't want to nag. Turns out that cough is also a sign of stomach and esophageal cancer.

[Bayard]

2. So sorry, Marthe

And thanks for the warning. I have terrible genetics for cancer, but really loathe going to the doctor.

[Marthe48]

4. You're welcome!

Take care!

[dalton99a]

3. Be careful - they are not saying two-thirds of cancer cases are due to bad luck.