A new study has explored the impact of various factors surrounding us on health and longevity, comparing them to genetic factors.
The study revealed that environmental and lifestyle factors play a role that is ten times greater than genetic factors in determining the risk of early death from diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and liver failure.
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Conducted by researchers from Oxford University, the study showed that these factors account for 17% of the risk of death from 22 different diseases, while genetic factors contribute only 2%.
The study tracked half a million Britons and identified 23 environmental and lifestyle factors affecting the risk of death, all of which are modifiable, meaning their negative effects can be reduced. These factors included cheese consumption, living in deprived areas lacking basic resources and services, frequent feelings of boredom, work nature, living arrangements (such as living with a partner or in an apartment instead of a house), number of hours of sleep, smoking, and exercise.
Researchers found that these factors affect survival chances from serious diseases such as breast, lung, prostate, ovarian, colon, pancreatic, and liver cancers, as well as esophageal cancer and leukemia.
The study indicated that environmental factors had a greater impact on lung cancer, while genetic factors played a more significant role in breast cancer.
Researchers confirmed that improving social and economic conditions, reducing smoking, and increasing physical activity could significantly improve individual health and reduce the risk of early death.
The study showed that smoking, social and economic status, physical activity level, and living conditions were among the largest factors affecting health. Dementia was one of the exceptions, where genetic factors played a larger role than environmental factors in the risk of developing it. Only 10% of the risk of dementia was associated with modifiable environmental factors.
Professor Cornelia van Duijn, the lead researcher, explained that the results highlight the profound impact of modifiable environmental factors, whether through individual changes or government policies to improve social and economic conditions, reduce smoking, and promote physical activity.
She added that the study shows how environmental factors can accelerate aging from an early age, meaning there is a significant opportunity to prevent chronic diseases and early death.
Dr. Stephen Burgess, a biostatistics expert at the University of Cambridge, emphasized that the study confirms that genes are not the determining factor in human health. He added: "Genes may tilt the scale, but the environment and personal choices play a more significant role in determining an individual's health destiny."
Despite the importance of the findings, researchers acknowledged that the study is observational, meaning it does not conclusively prove that any specific factor directly causes an increased risk of death. (Daily Mail)
