Epigenetics Explained »
Epigenetics is the study of how a person’s actions or surroundings can cause changes in the way their genes work. Genes are made up of DNA and can be regulated, or turned on and off.
When an epigenetic change occurs, a gene is turned on or off when it isn’t supposed to be. This change is similar to leaving the light switch on by accident when you leave the room.
Epigenetic changes to genes can lead to diseases like cancer. Although some cancers are the result of inherited genes, others are the result of epigenetic changes.
What a person eats, how much they sleep, how much they exercise, and if they smoke or not can impact their genes. Certain environments can also impact how a person’s genes work.
The field of epigenetics and cancer research is growing each day. Many researchers are finding new ways to prevent epigenetic changes that lead to cancer.