A study done at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research results in seeing that smoking appears to prevent formation of proteins that help prevent tumors to occur in the body. When smoking, mutations known as "stop-gain" mutations in the DNA increase and these mutation prevent the body from making these protective proteins. This is because the DNA gets altered and the formation of tumor suppressors is halted. This is why people who smoke are more vulnerable to cancer due to the stop-gain mutations that some acquire. The study also noted that the longer and the more frequent a person had smoked, the increase in stop-gain mutations were found in their tumors. The study focused on tobacco and what it does to the body. Researchers found that smoking tobacco damages our DNA and deactivates critical proteins that are needed for cell function. Other bad habits that people do are drinking alcohol and having an unhealthy diet. These things are not yet confirmed to also boost stop-gain mutations, but they are being studied because of its high possibility.
I've always known and people have always told me that smoking is bad for you health, and I've also heard how smoking can lead to cancer. Many people have heard this, and it's true. But I never knew the health problems you get are due to mutations. It is very captivating how smoking can do these things down to the molecular level. The level of explanation given in this article is very good, and many people, smokers and non-smokers, should be aware of the causes of smoking. And just how these things may happen to smokers, second-hand smoking is just as damaging due to the concentration levels of carcinogens that people might inhale from smokers.
Sources:
https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2023-11-08/smoking-undermines-human-dna-that-would-normally-prevent-cancer
https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/reduce-your-risk/live-smoke-free
I found your article very insightful when it comes to the dangers of smoking. We are always told that smoking is bad and that it leads to cancer however we rarely get a detailed explanation as to why this happens. I feel like the explanation of the stop-gain mutation really explained why smoking is so dangerous and the specific problems it causes.
ReplyDeleteThis article was insightful. The "stop-gain" mutations that increase in the DNA and prevent the body from making protective proteins are definitely harmful and that makes it easier to understand why smoking is bad for anyone. Also, I found it interesting reading that smoking alters DNA and halts the formation of tumor suppressors.
ReplyDeleteI like how your study explained the scientific reasons why smoking is dangerous because it is a better way to educate individuals on what they are putting in their body rather than saying a=smoking is bad. I never knew that concentration levels of carcinogens that people breathe in from secondhand smoking is the reason why it is also dangerous to be around people who smokes even if the individual is not the one who is smoking. I never knew that tobacco damages our DNA and its effect in deactivating important proteins that our cells need to be able to work properly.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your ability to incorporate facts and shine light to a terrible habit. I agree I as well always heard the basics such as smoking increases the chance of cancer or smoking is bad for you. Even some cigarette companies have graphic images on the box, to warn the dangers that might arise. I thought it was interesting you alluded to other bad habits such as consumption of alcohol and unhealthy dieting. However, I think it will be more prominent to remain on the subject of tobacco and look more into other tobacco consumptions such as smokeless consumption.
ReplyDeleteI never liked the smell of cigarettes and after reading this summary, my dislike has only increased. So much damage can occur to your body by smoking them and it’s just so unfortunate how many people are addicted to it. Even more so for the people who are surrounded by those addicted since they must endure second-hand smoking. It makes me wonder what effective methods can be used to prevent people from becoming smokers in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI found your article very interesting. Everyone is always told that smoking is bad and causes cancer but I wasn't aware that smoking triggers stop-gain mutations and hinders the ability to form tumor-suppressing proteins. The clear and scientific explanation emphasizes the urgency for smokers and non-smokers to be aware of the risks. My dad was a smoker and is not making an effort to quit so I will definitely pass along this information.
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