Once again, headlines proclaim a "shocking finding" that makes us nuts! Last week's 72-point headline goof? "Nearly Two-Thirds of Cancers Are Caused By DNA Mistakes." ARGHHH! That proclamation makes it seem like no matter what smart lifestyle choices you make, you can't dodge the big C. That's WRONG, WRONG and more WRONG. And the research those headlines are based on doesn't agree either!
Johns Hopkins researchers found that the majority of cancers of the pancreas, brain, bone or prostate are attributable to random and unpredictable genetic mutations. However, they also found that somewhere around 29 percent of all cancers are triggered by environment and/or lifestyle choices (and those cancers often are among the most prevalent), and just 5 percent by inherited genetic traits. Furthermore, they state, "Deleterious environmental factors can directly increase the mutation rate."
From other studies, it's well established that obesity is associated with an increased risk of cancer of the kidney, gallbladder, endometrium, ovaries, thyroid, liver and colon. For example, overweight women are two to four times more likely to be diagnosed with endometrial cancer.
Your power over cancer lies in avoiding toxins (tobacco is the most common one, but BPA, BPS and phthalates also are common); making smart food choices (avoiding the Five Food Felons and taking half a multivitamin twice a day); physical activity (10,000 steps a day or the equivalent); getting seven to eight hours of sleep nightly; and stress-response reduction. That's the formula for a long, healthy life, and it's in your control.
Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of "The Dr. Oz Show," and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into "The Dr. Oz Show" or visit www.sharecare.com.
(c) 2017 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.