Telomere Length and Cancer



ARE YOUR SHORT TELOMERES PUTTING YOU AT INCREASED RISK OF CANCER?

For those of you scratching your heads trying to figure out if I just insulted some part of your anatomy, in 1961, Dr. Hayflick determined that a cell can only divided a certain number of times.  It was later decided that segments of DNA at the end of our chromosomes shorten each time a cell divides.  These are called telomeres.  The shorter the telomere, the shorter the remaining lifespan of that cell.

We have seen that things like stress shorten telomeres and that higher levels of healthy fats protect the telomeres.  So, in this particular study, when we see that those with the shortest telomeres have more than triple the risk of getting cancer, it is no surprise.  What this reaffirms is that our lifestyles determine our cancer risk.  Genetics play a very small role in our risk of cancer.

Read More

James Bogash

For more than a decade, Dr. Bogash has stayed current with the medical literature as it relates to physiology, disease prevention and disease management. He uses his knowledge to educate patients, the community and cyberspace on the best way to avoid and / or manage chronic diseases using lifestyle and targeted supplementation.







Email:



Posted on
Category: Cancer
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”