Epigenetics, cancer, and the environment : a hidden link to health and disease

Abstract

Epigenetics, a relatively underappreciated field by those unfamiliar with its significance, holds profound implications for our overall health and well-being. Simply put, epigenetics explores how external factors, such as lifestyle and environmental influences, can alter gene expression without modifying the underlying DNA sequence. This emerging science is essential for understanding how certain diseases, including cancer, can develop and progress. One area of particular interest in epigenetics is how alcohol consumption affects gene expression and contributes to cancer risk. This article delves into the complex relationship between epigenetics, alcohol, cancer, and the role of environmental factors in shaping these processes.