When nothing depends on us: two-thirds of all cancers are caused by random mutations

A new scientific study of the team of scientists from the Johns Hopkins Cancer Center shows that 66 percent of all carcinogenic mutations are a direct consequence of random DNA replication errors. Unfortunately, this means that such mutations are inevitable and we can not prevent them.

Results of the study

This striking conclusion is based on a series of mathematical models used to predict DNA copy paths, along with an analysis of a pre-existing set of cancer data. These mutations occur regardless of whether the person is physically healthy or not, whether he is addicted to tobacco or alcohol, and so on. General health, it seems, also does not matter.

"We studied the relationship between the number of normal stem cell divisions and the risks of developing 17 cancers in 69 countries around the world," the researchers write in their article. "The data showed a strong correlation between the incidence of cancer and the normal division of stem cells in people living in different countries, regardless of the environment."

It also turned out that 29% of cancer cases were caused by environmental factors. Only in 5% of cases, cancer appears to be inherited.

Similar conclusions

These results are in line with the conclusions reached by researchers in 2015: most types of cancer are the result of "bad luck", and not of any other factors. At the same time, the results of an earlier study aroused much controversy, and this new work is likely to face the same hostile atmosphere.

What we know about cancer

Given this, it is necessary to emphasize some important details. Cancer is an extremely complex disease. There are at least 200 of its species, and each of them is aggressive and lethal, although in some cases it can be treated, and it can even be cured. There are also several ways to fight cancer, from traditional to folk. Some of them are more effective than others.

The most important thing that needs to be understood in connection with this: we still do not know much about this disease. Cancer can be caused by a number of unfavorable environmental factors (radiation, carcinogens and infections) and genetic causes, and some of them are likely to have a greater impact than others.

The opinion of scientists who did not take part in the study

The new study makes us think that we can underestimate the random nature of carcinogenic mutations in our DNA, and this creates a number of problems.

Although the data show that the number of random carcinogenic mutations is incredibly high, the actual number may be much lower. Indeed, many other researchers believe that the correlation between the errors of DNA replication and cancer, as pointed out by the current study and that which was conducted in 2015, is too exaggerated by the authors. Some of them also noted that the authors of these studies rely too much on only one set of data, whereas others should be taken into account.

Another study, published in the journal Nature in 2016, had opposite conclusions. Its authors argued that it is environmental factors that are responsible for most cancers. Thus, it becomes clear that much more research is needed to clarify the truth.

Importance of early diagnosis

In any case, this, of course, does not mean that you can not at least partially control most types of cancer. Even if a person is really unlucky and he got cancer because of random mutations, he has more chances to survive than at any other moment in human history, thanks to the incredible work of scientists and medical professionals around the world.

In fact, the authors of the article note that if their results are accurate, they once again show the importance of detecting signs of cancer in the early stages.

"Our analysis underscores the importance of early detection of disease and interventions to reduce mortality from many cancers associated with random mutations," they write.

How to reduce the risk of cancer

The overall risk of developing cancer can be reduced through moderate exercise, restrictions on alcohol consumption, a balanced diet and quitting. In fact, a recent study concluded that cancer mortality in the United States could be halved if every adult American adheres to these recommendations.

So do not panic and do not believe in sensational headlines. Live a healthy life and participate in charity for cancer research. Regardless of what causes cancer - hereditary genes, lifestyle or accidental DNA replication errors, the more we know about this disease, the better we are armed to fight it.