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Why DNA damage from smoking and UV rays cause cancer in some but not others

cam.ac.uk

31–40 of 119 posts

Re: Why DNA damage from smoking and UV rays cause cancer in some but not others

#31
post #11

This is why Zinc is needed to prevent cancer[1]. The gene they are focusing on in the study [2] is Methylated-DNA--protein-cysteine methyltransferase (MGMT) and it needs zinc as a cofactor [3]. Not enough zinc, lower MGMT, and less DNA protection and repair. Nutritional deficiencies and genetic differences increase the risk of cancer. [1] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12011-023-03818-6 [2] https://www.na…

That would imply that red meat eaters would be less likely to get cancer which doesn't seem to be the case. I'm not saying that zinc isn't a factor, but I think that saying a blanket "Zinc is needed to prevent cancer" is irresponsible. We should be so lucky that we can narrow it down to a single dietary element or be able to blame it simply upon nutrition.

Re: Why DNA damage from smoking and UV rays cause cancer in some but not others

#32
post #20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The number one reason I wear an Apple Watch all summer is the UV index complication. If the number is at 4 and trending down I let the kids run free.

Interestingly the best time to go out is at solar noon, when the UVB/UVA ratio is higher. Just go for a shorter amount of time to compensate for the higher overall intensity.

Care to explain? Isn't UVB more harmful than UVA?

Re: Why DNA damage from smoking and UV rays cause cancer in some but not others

#33
post #24

I've only ever smoked like a quarter of one cigarette when I was eighteen and I thought it was fucking gross so I never picked up the habit (fortunately). That said, I'm a pretty pale dude and my sister has gotten skin cancer twice now [1], so I've started getting a bit worried that that's going to happen to me. I've started wearing a baseball cap every time I go outside to protect my scalp (since my body has decided…

Sun shirts are a great option for me at least.

Re: Why DNA damage from smoking and UV rays cause cancer in some but not others

#34
post #3

Anecdotally, whenever I go swimming with my kids in the summer, and I don't put sunscreen on right away, but let myself get some intense direct sun, I feel good and sleep really well that night. As long as I don't let myself get in a red, sunburn situation.

I typically do the same thing. I only wear sunscreen if I am planning on being in direct sun for an extended period of time where I can't easily get back in the shade. The more you're able to build up a base tan the less you need it to avoid a burn at least.

So we're just out here perpetuating myths on here now as well?

Re: Why DNA damage from smoking and UV rays cause cancer in some but not others

#35
post #20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The number one reason I wear an Apple Watch all summer is the UV index complication. If the number is at 4 and trending down I let the kids run free.

Interestingly the best time to go out is at solar noon, when the UVB/UVA ratio is higher. Just go for a shorter amount of time to compensate for the higher overall intensity.

That's only if you don't have a lot of time out. If you're planning to be out for a while I'd avoid being too exposed during the 12-3 window.

Re: Why DNA damage from smoking and UV rays cause cancer in some but not others

#36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I typically do the same thing. I only wear sunscreen if I am planning on being in direct sun for an extended period of time where I can't easily get back in the shade. The more you're able to build up a base tan the less you need it to avoid a burn at least.

So we're just out here perpetuating myths on here now as well?

Correction - The less you need it to avoid a burn.

Re: Why DNA damage from smoking and UV rays cause cancer in some but not others

#37
post #30
post #24

I've only ever smoked like a quarter of one cigarette when I was eighteen and I thought it was fucking gross so I never picked up the habit (fortunately). That said, I'm a pretty pale dude and my sister has gotten skin cancer twice now [1], so I've started getting a bit worried that that's going to happen to me. I've started wearing a baseball cap every time I go outside to protect my scalp (since my body has decided…

A bit offtopic, but have you tried different sunscreen types? There are quite a lot of formulations from matte creams to solid sticks. Mentioned because I remember avoiding sunscreens precisely because of that slimy feeling I got from the drugstore ones, that is, until I found an "invisible" one that doesn't feel like anything at all on my skin.

I have not. Do you have any recommendations for specific brands? I'll order a bottle and try it out.

Re: Why DNA damage from smoking and UV rays cause cancer in some but not others

#38
post #4

In mice

Mice smoke?

  > "Mice smoke?"
The experiment summary:

  > "The team bred four strains of mice.
  >  They then exposed the mice to a single dose of the liver carcinogen diethylnitrosamine (DEN).
  >  DEN is found in tobacco smoke."
They simulated the "consequences" of smoking in mice.

Re: Why DNA damage from smoking and UV rays cause cancer in some but not others

#39
post #13
post #3

Anecdotally, whenever I go swimming with my kids in the summer, and I don't put sunscreen on right away, but let myself get some intense direct sun, I feel good and sleep really well that night. As long as I don't let myself get in a red, sunburn situation.

I can spend a solid hour in the sun before I start to burn, assuming I have a hat on my head. I've also noticed some correlation between my diet and how fast I burn. Whenever my metabolism is running at/near ketogenesis, it seems like it takes a lot longer for the sun to affect me.

Just so you know, burning & cancer isn't the only reason to avoid strong sunlight - it also causes skin aging (i.e. wrinkles). If you don't want to be super wrinkly when you're old, wear suncream!

Re: Why DNA damage from smoking and UV rays cause cancer in some but not others

#40
post #24

I've only ever smoked like a quarter of one cigarette when I was eighteen and I thought it was fucking gross so I never picked up the habit (fortunately). That said, I'm a pretty pale dude and my sister has gotten skin cancer twice now [1], so I've started getting a bit worried that that's going to happen to me. I've started wearing a baseball cap every time I go outside to protect my scalp (since my body has decided…

Check out mineral based sunscreens, I have sensitive skin and I find them infinitely more tolerable.
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