Light House Denver – A recent study conducted in Finland reveals that wealthy or high-income individuals are genetically more prone to cancer. Particularly breast and prostate cancer. These findings challenge the longstanding belief that people struggling with poverty are at a greater risk of developing such diseases.
Researchers analyzed the health, genomic, and socioeconomic data of 280,000 adults over the age of 35 to assess the risks of 19 common diseases. They discovered that individuals with higher education levels face an increased risk of breast and prostate cancer. In contrast, those with lower education levels are genetically more susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis. Lung cancer, depression, and type 2 diabetes.
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Dr. Fiona Hagenbeek, the lead researcher, emphasized the connection between socioeconomic status, genetics, and cancer incidence. However, she clarified that her study did not formally investigate these links. She hypothesized that wealthier individuals have better access to healthcare. This may include regular screenings, greater health literacy, and a lower likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors such as smoking or alcohol abuse. Additionally, she noted that age plays a significant role in cancer incidence.
“Higher cancer rates among those with higher socioeconomic status may reflect the fact that these individuals are less likely to die from other causes at a younger age, allowing them to live long enough to develop cancer,” she explained, as quoted by the New York Post on Sunday, January 12, 2025.
Dr. Jiyoung Ahn, a professor at NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center, highlighted the importance of screenings in the study. She stated that increased screenings often lead to the uncovering of more disease cases. “It is well-known that individuals with higher socioeconomic status tend to undergo more frequent medical check-ups,” she remarked.
Dr. Ahn expressed interest in examining whether the study’s findings could be replicated in the United States. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recently estimated that over 310,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2024. Additionally, nearly 300,000 new cases of prostate cancer are expected.
The ACS also conducted a new study that found many cancer cases, including tens of thousands of breast cancer diagnoses annually. Could likely be prevented through lifestyle changes. Dr. Elisa Port, a surgical specialist at Mount Sinai Health System, stressed that individuals can reduce their risk of breast cancer by cutting alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight.
Screenings play a crucial role in early detection, making cancer easier to treat. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men aged 55 to 69 consider prostate cancer screenings.
These findings underline the intricate relationship between socioeconomic factors, genetics, and health outcomes. They also emphasize the importance of proactive measures such as regular screenings, healthier lifestyle choices, and equitable access to healthcare for preventing and managing cancer effectively.
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