Image of a cancer research laboratory where vaccinations are developed to treat lung cancer. (BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) EDMONTON, Alberta - A new study reveals that the risk of cancer may not only be tied to your family’s health history, but also connected to your metabolism.Although the hereditary part of cancer is part of the equation, a study published by the University of Alberta in April examines the role of the metabolism and environmental factors related to cancer risks.
Dr. David Wishart, a professor with the school, explains that deepening our understanding of how metabolism works and making better lifestyle choices can help lower the chances of cancer."From the prevention side, changing our metabolism through lifestyle adjustments will make a huge difference in the incidence of cancer."RELATED: Small study of rectal cancer treatment brings every single patient into remissionWishart believes understanding what he describes as a person’s "cancer metabolic type" can help a doctor decide the best option to treat a specific cancer.
According to the study, the causes of cancer are broken down into three categories: A genetic disease, an environmental disease, and a metabolic disease.Wishart says that cancer as a genetic disease are the genetic traits you inherit at birth, while cancer as an environmental disease involves what your body is exposed to throughout your life.
And cancer as a metabolic disease is tied to the metabolism."It really doesn't make a difference where the cancer is — it’s something you’ve got to get rid of.