Are We At The Mercy Of Our Genes?
Genetic Predisposition
In medical school, we are taught that there are genetic predispositions to certain diseases including cancer. We learn that we inherit our genetic material from our parents and that, among other things, determines our risk of developing such a disease. When we take a medical history, we ask about family history to help inform us about the possible reason or cause for the cancer developing. And, if a patient diagnosed with cancer has clinical characteristics like young age, positive family history or an ethnicity that deem them high risk for genetic mutation then it is routine to test the biopsy or surgical specimen tissue for a genetic mutation. This then leads to appropriate risk management.
For example, if a woman with a newly diagnosed breast cancer has either a young age at diagnosis, a significant family history of breast cancer or is of Ashkenazi Jewish decent, we test for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations as they carry with them a 40-90% risk of developing breast cancer. This type of breast cancer is then managed more aggressively than a breast cancer without a mutation. The perceived higher risk of the breast cancer returning in the affected breast if breast conserving therapy is chosen (lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy instead of mastectomy) means mastectomy may be recommended.
Furthermore, this has implications for her female siblings or female offspring who are then recommended to be tested so threat appropriate risk management and screening can occur. For example, if a sibling or offspring is found to carry the genetic mutation, they may be recommended for annual breast MRI so that any abnormality can be detected and managed early, or prophylactic endocrine therapy, like Tamoxifen, to minimise the risk of cancer developing or bilateral mastectomy.
The ethical debate of this is not new and ranges from the appropriate use of medical resources to whether this introduces anxiety into a population that may have otherwise been unaffected. The emerging argument is whether this “label” turns into a self-fulfilling prophecy as we learn how powerful the mind and our thoughts are in creating our reality. That is, if I am told I am at a higher risk of developing a cancer, subconsciously have I been programmed with that possibility and am I therefore more likely to develop it through the power of suggestion, the power of my own mind or the subconscious choices I end up making that propel that gene expression to occur.
Epigenetics
There is now sufficient evidence to support that we can rewire our brain with a shift in mindset and mental rehearsal. Indeed, Bruce Lipton has led the discussion on how we can also influence our gene expression using our thoughts, behaviours and environment. This is the science of epigenetics. We are no longer considered “victims” of our DNA but in fact both our internal and external environment can shape the expression of our DNA. This gives us extraordinary power to influence our health and our medical outcome.
Perhaps this capability is not yet in the collective consciousness. Indeed, most Western civilisations are not taught how to cultivate this power, so medicine has developed the most appropriate risk management available and for some, it may be the only option.
But perhaps, one day, as well as preventative measures such as a double mastectomy, prophylactic endocrine therapy or intensive screening to manage a genetic predisposition, thoughts, behaviours and environment are empowered to influence gene expression and prevent disease developing. This would help preserve medical resources, reduce the medical burden on individuals and empower us to influence our own health and wellness.
Further Reading: Falling For This Myth Could Give You Cancer by Dr Joseph Mercola.
