Can You Ensure Being Lucky?


There are genetic changes that induce cell malignancy (cancer) and are inherited. There are others which are acquired by errors in gene replication when stem cells divide. Some organs have many stem cells – hence many cell divisions during a lifetime –whereas other organs have relatively few.

Investigators at John Hopkins University speculated that the larger the number of stem cells in an organ, the greater the risk for cancer would be in that organ. They assessed the number of stem cells (sort of the “queen” of the hive) relative to the total number of cells in 31 different organs.

They found a remarkably strong correlation between larger number of stem cells and the incidence of cancer in that organ. They also estimated that ‘unlucky’ errors in gene replication during cell division (which means; the two new cells are not ‘identical twins,’ but only one is and the other is some sort of suicide bomber) account for 65 % of human cancers. This would be more than the 5–10 % caused by inherited genetic causes or the 25–30% caused by environmental factors (Science 2015 Jan 2; 347:78).

Tissues and organs with high replication and growing rates as for example all tissues exposed to the outer world (skin, lining of the gastrointestinal tract and bronchial system) need a lot of stem cells to recover and maintain their integrity. Losses on one side through shedding due to simple mechanic friction need to be replaced. Similar to the queen of bees maintaining the natural losses of the hive the stem cells have to divide constantly. If something goes wrong during this replication a cancer may have been born.

But it is not as simple as that. Our body has a myriad of repair crews who can straighten things out or eliminate dangerous clones. But: the repair crews get older as well. A bit slower, hazy eyesight, forgetful… and then the clones can possibly hide and escape and cause turmoil.

And: environmental factors can naturally intervene and interfere with cell duplication. Tobacco not only requires the stem cells to work extra hours because of damaging the lining of the bronchial tubes but it may affect the stem cells directly when replicating.

So: better not stress out the repair crews once they get slower. They can put up with a lot at the age of 25, but with much less at the age of 50. Stop smoking early enough! Keep the sun off your skin (for more than one reason even) Pamper the repair crews by eating anti-oxidants and Omega-
3-s etc. In other words: be boring and sensible.

Article provided by Almuñécar International Clinic

(News/Health: Cancer)

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