Risky business

| 29 January 2017
minute reading time

New study shows lifestyle is more important than genes when it comes to cancer

An ambitious Spanish study set out to map the main risk factors for colorectal cancer which included both genetic and lifestyle factors. After examining the health, family history, gene variants, diet, lifestyle, drug use, age and some other considerations of over 4,000 participants, the authors came to the conclusion that lifestyle factors are more important than genetics in the development of colorectal cancer.

The main risks were red meat consumption of more than 65 grams per day, low vegetable consumption (less than 200 grams per day), obesity, low physical activity and excessive alcohol consumption. More proof that a healthy vegan diet significantly lowers the risk of colorectal cancer!

Ibáñez-Sanz G et al., 2017. Risk Model for Colorectal Cancer in Spanish Population Using Environmental and Genetic Factors: Results from the MCC-Spain study. Scientific Reports. 7:43263.

About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
I joined Viva! as a health campaigner in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. My scientific training helped me research and write numerous reports, guides and fact sheets for Viva! including Meat the Truth, Fish-Free for Life, One in Nine (breast cancer and diet) and the substantial report on the detrimental health effects of consuming dairy; White Lies. This accompanied Viva!’s report The Dark Side of Dairy which spelt out the inherent cruelty of dairy farming. We were the first UK group to take on the dairy industry in this way, and many of our supporters go vegan after reading these reports.

View author page | View staff profile

Scroll up