High Earnings Linked to Elevated Genetic Risk for Certain Cancers, Study Suggests
A groundbreaking study originating from Finland indicates a potential correlation between socioeconomic status and genetic predisposition to cancer. The research, presented at the European Society of Human Genetics annual conference, challenges preconceived notions about cancer risk and income.
Traditionally, cancer has been associated with lower socioeconomic groups, primarily due to factors like limited access to healthcare, insurance disparities, and potential exposure to environmental hazards. However, this Stanford University study suggests a more complex picture.
Focusing on the genetics of disease rather than purely environmental or lifestyle factors, the researchers analyzed data from 280,000 adults over 35. This data encompassed genetic information, health records, and socioeconomic indicators based on education and occupation, providing a comprehensive overview.
Intriguingly, the study revealed a higher genetic risk for breast and prostate cancer among individuals with higher levels of education, suggesting a potential link between socioeconomic status and cancer predisposition.
“Living standards are linked to disease risk," shares lisa Hagenbeek, the study’s lead researcher, "but we didn’t formally investigate this link in this study."
She proposes a hypothesis that individuals with higher incomes might benefit from improved access to healthcare, including preventative screenings, better health education, and a lower likelihood of engaging in high-risk behaviors like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Another factor Hagenbeek suggests is that individuals in higher socioeconomic brackets are living longer and thus have more time to potentially develop cancer.
This thought is echoed by Dr. Elisa Port net chief of breast surgery at Mount Sinai Health System.
"Breast and prostate cancer are the type of cancer that you get looking, the more you look for them, you usually find them," explains Dr. Port, highlighting the impact of screening frequency.
Dr. Jiyoung Ahn, from NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center, stresses the importance of screening behavior in this context:
"It’s well established that if you have a higher socioeconomic status, you’re more likely to be screened."
While genetics and income are intertwined in this complex equation, it’s crucial to remember that lifestyle choices still play a significant role.
Prevention is Key:
While a person can’t change their genetics, family history, or the age at which they start menstruating or go through menopause, there are proactive steps to reduce breast cancer risk:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight:
Limiting calorie intake and engaging in regular physical activity are key to maintaining a healthy weight.
- Moderate Alcohol Consumption: Reducing alcohol intake or abstaining completely can lower the risk.
- Consider Your Hormone Replacement Therapy Options: When possible, explore alternatives to hormone replacement therapy in menopause.
For women, mammograms every two years from ages 40 to 74 are recommended for early detection. Men between 55 and 69 should consider prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing.
"Women with a high genetic risk and a higher level of education may benefit from earlier or more frequent screening than those with lower genetic risk," Hagenbeek suggests, highlighting the need for individualized screening strategies.
The study provides a thought-provoking glimpse into the intricate relationship between genetics, socioeconomics, and cancer risk. Further research is crucial to fully understand these connections and develop personalized prevention strategies for different populations.
2024-12-02 10:01:00
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