First 20 Years in Life Key to Cancer Risk STOCKHOLM (Reuters) Lifestyle during the first 20 years of life is a more important factor than genetics when defining the risk of cancer, two Swedish studies on first- and second-generation immigrants show. "Birth in Sweden sets the Swedish pattern for cancer development irrespective of the nationality of descent," said the abstract of one of the studies due to be published on May 10 in the International Journal of Cancer. The survey of some 600,000 immigrants, who came to Sweden in their 20s and became parents in this country, showed that their cancer risks did not differ significantly from the cancer risks of the populations in their native countries. But second-generation immigrants born in Sweden had a different risk profile than their parents and had a similar cancer incidence as native Swedes, another study of some 600,000 immigrants, mainly from Europe and North America, showed. "Internationally, there are clear differences between cancer risks. But these differences disappear within one generation, so environment must clearly be a significant cancer factor," Professor Kari Hemminki of the Karolinska Institute university hospital told Reuters Monday. As the first 20 years of a person's life were so important in defining the risk of incurring cancer, possible preventive means should be aimed during that period, he said. [04/23/2002; Reuters Health] J Nutr, 9/02 Am J Clin Nutr, 12/04 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.