Genes Aren't Only Factors to Blame for Cancer

Mamata Mohanty April 26, 2009

Cancer is not just down to genes, unhealthy diet and poor lifestyle also contribute to the potentially fatal disease, say experts.According to Dr Rachel Thompson, science programme manager for the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) lack of exercise and obesity contributes three times more to Cancer than genes. According to her 39 percent of cancer including breast and bowel can be prevented by healthy diets ,exercise and keeping weight under control.

"It's important to dispel the myth that cancer is just down to genes," the Telegraph quoted Thompson as saying."Specific genes for breast and bowel cancer have been identified, but these are rare and account for a very small percentage of cancer cases, whereas more than a third of the most common cancers could be prevented by following a healthy diet, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight," she added.

According to scientists though the people who inherit those genes have a greater chance having cancer but genes are not always responsible. People can cut the risk by healthy food,regular exercise and not smoking.

It is clear that choosing a healthy diet and being more physically active are important ways to help prevent many cancers," she added.

So people should not think that having cancer is just luck,we can lower the risk by adopting a healthy lifestyle as said by Dr Rachel Thompson.