MGD, 807 N. Haddon Avenue, STE 102, Haddonfield, NJ (2025)

09/04/2025

Night shift work is increasingly recognized as an environmental cause of breast cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies circadian rhythm disruption as a Group 2A carcinogen (probable human carcinogen). A pooled analysis of nurses showed a 30% higher risk of breast cancer in women who worked night shifts for more than 20 years. Disrupted circadian rhythm reduces melatonin, a hormone with anti-estrogenic and anti-oxidative effects. Low melatonin leads to higher estrogen, which stimulates breast tissue growth, while also weakening DNA repair mechanisms. Chronic circadian disruption can also increase insulin resistance and inflammation, further driving cancer risk. For shift workers, strategies like strict light exposure control, melatonin supplementation (studied but not universally recommended), and earlier/more frequent breast screening are under investigation.

09/01/2025

Breast density is one of the strongest predictors of breast cancer risk after family history and BRCA mutations. Women with extremely dense breasts (over 75% dense tissue) have a risk 4–6 times higher than women with mostly fatty breasts. Dense tissue contains more epithelial and stromal cells, which are hormonally responsive and more likely to proliferate abnormally. In addition, dense tissue can mask tumors on mammograms, with sensitivity dropping from ~85% in fatty breasts to 30–50% in dense breasts. About 40% of women aged 40+ fall into this category, yet many are unaware. Laws in some countries now require that women be notified of their breast density so they can consider supplemental screening (ultrasound, contrast MRI, or 3D tomosynthesis).

08/30/2025

Radiation is a well-documented cause of breast cancer, especially when exposure happens early in life. Women treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma with chest radiation before age 20 can face a 30% cumulative risk of breast cancer by age 50. The younger the age at exposure, the higher the risk, because breast tissue is highly sensitive during development. Radiation damages DNA directly and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to mutations in tumor suppressor genes like TP53 and BRCA1. Risk persists for decades after treatment, so survivors are advised to undergo annual breast MRI + mammogram starting 8 years post-exposure or at age 25. Preventive options may even include risk-reducing mastectomy in extremely high-risk cases.

08/28/2025

Your immune system plays a crucial role in spotting and destroying cells that start behaving abnormally. When immune function is reduced—due to organ transplant medications, HIV infection, long-term corticosteroid use, or certain autoimmune treatments—these abnormal cells can multiply unchecked. This is why organ transplant recipients have a 2–4 times higher risk of cancer overall, and up to 50 times higher risk of Kaposi sarcoma. Lymphomas, skin cancers, and virus-related cancers (like HPV-associated cervical cancer) are also more common. For people with compromised immunity, regular skin checks, cancer screenings, and minimizing additional risks like sun exposure or HPV infection are critical.

08/25/2025

Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone act as growth signals for certain cells. When these hormones are chronically elevated—due to genetics, lifestyle, or medication—they can encourage uncontrolled cell division. High estrogen exposure is a major risk factor for breast and endometrial cancers, whether from early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after 55), obesity, or prolonged hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Research shows that obese postmenopausal women have up to double the breast cancer risk compared to women with a healthy weight, partly due to higher estrogen levels from body fat. Similarly, elevated testosterone has been linked to increased prostate cancer risk in men. Balancing hormones through medical monitoring and lifestyle changes is a key preventive step.

08/23/2025

Chronic inflammation happens when the body’s immune system stays switched on for months or years. Instead of repairing tissue, the constant release of inflammatory chemicals like cytokines and free radicals can damage cell DNA and promote abnormal growth. This is why conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease raise colorectal cancer risk, chronic H. pylori infection increases the risk of stomach cancer, and chronic hepatitis B or C can lead to liver cancer. Studies show that people with inflammatory bowel disease have up to a 2–6 times higher risk of colorectal cancer. Treating the underlying inflammation, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, and staying on top of screenings can significantly cut risk.

08/21/2025

Leukemia is usually not inherited, but genetic predisposition plays a role in some cases. Families with mutations in genes like RUNX1, GATA2, CEBPA, or TP53 (Li-Fraumeni syndrome) have a much higher lifetime risk of blood cancers, particularly AML. For example, familial platelet disorder with RUNX1 mutation carries up to a 40% lifetime leukemia risk. These mutations impair normal blood cell development and repair, making malignant transformation more likely. Even without a clear syndrome, having a first-degree relative with leukemia increases your risk slightly due to shared genetics and environmental factors. Experts recommend genetic counseling, annual complete blood counts (CBCs), and prompt investigation of unexplained symptoms for high-risk individuals. Early detection in these groups can be life-saving, as catching leukemia in its earliest stages often improves treatment outcomes.

08/18/2025

Cigarette smoke is a major source of benzene, a Group 1 carcinogen recognized by the WHO. Benzene damages the bone marrow stem cells that produce blood, increasing the risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Studies show that smokers are 1.5–2 times more likely to develop AML compared to non-smokers, and the risk rises with the number of years and packs smoked. Benzene is not the only concern—smoke contains more than 70 other known carcinogens, many of which can alter DNA in developing blood cells. The good news is that quitting smoking gradually lowers AML risk, and after 10–15 years smoke-free, it can approach that of a non-smoker. This makes smoking cessation one of the most effective leukemia prevention strategies.

08/16/2025

While rare, some viruses have been proven to cause certain types of leukemia by integrating their DNA into human white blood cells, disrupting cell growth control. The most notable is Human T-cell Leukemia Virus type 1 (HTLV-1), which can lead to adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) decades after infection. HTLV-1 is transmitted through blood transfusions, unprotected s*x, sharing needles, and breastfeeding from an infected mother. The virus affects the immune system, making cells grow uncontrollably. Endemic regions include parts of Japan, the Caribbean, South America, and Africa. Screening blood donations, practicing safe s*x, and preventing mother-to-child transmission are key to reducing this risk. While HTLV-1 is uncommon worldwide, in high-prevalence areas, infection rates can exceed 5% of the population, making awareness vital.

08/14/2025

A weakened immune system severely reduces the body’s ability to detect and destroy abnormal cells before they become cancer. People who are immunosuppressed — such as organ transplant recipients, HIV-positive individuals, or those on chronic corticosteroids or biologics — have a significantly higher risk of melanoma, and their cancers tend to grow faster and behave more aggressively. For example, studies show that transplant patients are 2–8 times more likely to develop melanoma, often with poorer outcomes due to delayed detection and impaired immune surveillance. These individuals should have dermatologic checkups every 6–12 months, practice strict sun protection, and be educated on early warning signs.

08/11/2025

Dysplastic nevi (atypical moles) are considered precancerous lesions and a strong risk factor for melanoma. These moles tend to be larger than 6 mm, have irregular borders, uneven color (brown, black, pink), and often run in families. Having just one dysplastic mole increases melanoma risk, but having 5 or more may raise it by 10–12 times, especially when combined with a family history. These moles aren’t always dangerous on their own, but they can serve as markers of someone genetically predisposed to melanoma. Experts recommend total body skin exams at least once a year and tracking mole changes using the ABCDE rule — especially E for “Evolving

08/09/2025

Melanoma isn’t just about adult sun exposure — it often starts in childhood. Research shows that just 1–2 blistering sunburns before age 18 can double the risk of developing melanoma later in life. This is because UVB radiation penetrates the skin and causes direct DNA mutations in melanocytes (the pigment-producing cells). Young skin is especially vulnerable, and early-life exposure gives cancer cells more time to grow unnoticed. Prevention is critical: use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, avoid midday sun, reapply every 2 hours, and cover up with clothing and hats. Protecting children’s skin today is a long-term investment in their health.

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