Last month’s New York State Breast Cancer Network Susan M. Cohen Education & Advocacy Day in Albany began with the screening of Ghost in Your Genes, a documentary on epigenetics. Researchers have discovered there are triggers within our DNA that turn on or off genes. These triggers, known as the epigenome, seem to influence everything in our biological lives. They might be the factor that determines why one twin develops a disease like breast cancer and another doesn’t. You can watch the film here.
According to the documentary, evidence suggests that our experiences—from the food we eat to the toxins we’re exposed to—can influence our epigenomes, and in turn affect the lives of our children and our children’s children.
What does this mean for breast cancer research? I don’t know, but it did get me thinking about how we’re custodians of our genomes, to paraphrase one of the scientists interviewed. An unhealthy habit like smoking might not just affect you but your descendents too. Has breast cancer changed the way you think about genetic inheritance? Click here to share your thoughts and read the responses.
Post by Nicholas - TalkAboutHealth Blogger and Journalist
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