Smokers are leaving an imprint of their habit in their own DNA, which may provide a guide to their future risk of cancer. This claim was presented to the NCRI Cancer Conference in November 2012 by a collaborative research project between Imperial College London and the Human Genetics Foundation in Italy. The discovery provides a promising new direction for cancer research, especially in terms of the possibility of early detection rates.
The in-depth study looked at DNA markings known as ‘epigenetic’ modifications. This kind of modification to DNA is one sustained within the lifetime of the subject, relating to their wellness habits and, potentially, warning of future health concerns. These genetic tags are temporary and in the case of smokers, would start to disappear when you quit the habit. However, they form an imprint which never disappears completely and may provide a meaningful guide to that individual’s future.
This initial study looked into the difference in epigenetic modifications between smokers and non-smokers and examined their connection to the risk of developing breast and bowel cancer. The relationship between smoking and breast cancer remains unproven, but the study provided valuable information nevertheless. In examining closely the molecular behaviour of DNA, epigenetic modifications will now be made more easily available to those conducting further research on the topic. It means that lifestyle questionnaires so essential to cancer screening may be dispensed within the not-too-distant future, as all the information will be readily available in the form of DNA.
The results have been applauded by the cancer research community and are thought to provide a major step in the area of genetic, as well as lifestyle cancer research. It helps scientists to gain the tools with which to eventually build a full molecular profile of cancer risk, in order to screen people for cancer at the earliest possible stage. The eventual impact on survival rates is obvious and much to be welcomed. Smoking is just the first venture in this kind of research, and other wellbeing issues such as alcohol are now due to be examined.
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