Module 9
Making connections Genes, lifestyle, environment
Not everyone who has genetic mutations will develop cancer
Genes
Acquired
Mutations
Inherited
Interactions
mutations
environment
lifestyle
Epigenetic factors
• No change in DNA • changes in gene expression as cells divide = Suppression
– Methylation
• covalent addition of a methyl group
– Histone modification
Environmental factors
• Tobacco use
– Over 60 carcinogens – 30% of all cancer deaths – Lung, bladder, pancreas, kidney, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, breast, stomach, liver cancer
• Diet
– Xenobiotics, nitrosamines, aflatoxins
Environmental factors
• Hormones • Obesity
– Pro-inflammatory state