Study shows that smoking 'stops' cancer-fighting proteins, causing cancer and making it harder to treat

Researchers at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research have found that smoking causes 'stop-gain mutations' in DNA, leading to cancer by disabling tumor-suppressing proteins. This process allows abnormal cells to multiply unchecked.

Analyzing over 12,000 tumor samples, the team discovered a strong link between the amount of smoking and the number of harmful mutations, particularly in lung cancer. This correlation suggests that smoking not only triggers cancer but also makes it more complex and difficult to treat.

The study highlights the direct impact of smoking on genetic health and cancer risk, underscoring the broader implications of lifestyle choices on our well-being. It also suggests that other lifestyle factors may similarly cause genetic damage, reinforcing the critical importance of smoking cessation for health.