Cancer Genes are changed with Lifestyle

The vast majority of cancers are not caused by bad genes. They are caused by bad living habits.

In a recent study by Dr. Dean Ornish, he reports that after just three months of a healthful diet and exercise, the genes associated with prostate cancer changed toward normal (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 17, 2008; http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/105/24/8369 ).

The details of the study included 30 men with low-grade prostate cancer who decided not to undergo traditional treatment of surgery, seed implants or radiation unless their cancer got worse. Instead they ate a plant-based vegetarian diet, avoided saturated fat, and processed or refined foods; walked at least 30 minutes six days a week and at least an hour three days a week; and participated in a weekly support group. They also did daily an hour of elementary yoga-based techniques including stretching, breathing, meditation and imagery.

In only three months on this program, more than 500 genes associated with prostate cancer reverted toward normal. In these men, their tumor suppressing genes became more active and some of the cancer-causing genes switched off.

It is well known that most cancers are caused by environmental factors. If patients avoid these toxins, poor food choices, etc. they have an excellent chance of not developing these cancers. We know that risk factors for prostate cancer are being over weight, diabetic, having a high intake of animal fat and meat diet, and lack of exercise.

Environmental toxins, chemicals, pesticides and heavy metals are underlying factors.

This study gives very important evidence of how quickly one can change genetic expression with relatively simple lifestyle changes.