A recent study has found that wealthy individuals are genetically at a higher risk of developing cancer compared to those with lower incomes. This surprising discovery sheds new light on the relationship between wealth and health.
A recent study has found that wealthy individuals are genetically at a higher risk of developing cancer compared to those with lower incomes. This surprising discovery sheds new light on the relationship between wealth and health.
The study, conducted at the University of Helsinki in Finland, examined the relationship between socio-economic status and diseases. The findings show that individuals with higher socio-economic status are also at a greater genetic risk for breast, prostate, and other types of cancer.
Dr. Hagenbeek told South West News Service, 'Understanding the context-dependent effect of polygenic scores on disease risk could lead to more detailed screening protocols.'
'For example, in the future, breast cancer screening protocols could be adapted to ensure that women with high genetic risk and higher education levels are screened earlier or more frequently compared to women with lower genetic risk or less education.' The doctor also stated, 'Although our genetic information remains unchanged throughout our lives, the impact of genetics on disease risk may change as we age or as our circumstances change.'
'Our study focused solely on individuals of European descent. In the future, it will be important to see if our observations regarding the interaction between socio-economic status and genetic factors on disease risk are replicated in individuals of different ethnic backgrounds and in both high- and low-income countries.'