Your Cancer Genes Aren't Your Destiny: How Epigenetics Changes Everything
When you hear those devastating words, your oncologist will likely talk about surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. What they probably won't discuss is that your genes aren't set in stone - and that the very genes driving your cancer can potentially be switched back off.
This isn't wishful thinking. It's cutting-edge science called epigenetics, and it's revolutionising how we understand and treat cancer.
Your Body's Accelerator and Brake System
Imagine your cells as cars. For them to work properly, they need both an accelerator (to go when needed) and brakes (to stop when necessary). Cancer happens when this system breaks down.
The Two Types of Cancer Genes
1. Oncogenes - Your Cellular Accelerators
Think of these as your car's accelerator pedal:
When healthy: Called "proto-oncogenes" - they tell cells when to grow and divide
When damaged: Get stuck in the "ON" position, like a jammed accelerator
Common culprits: FGFR3, RAS, MYC, HER2, BRAF
Result: Cells grow uncontrollably
2. Tumour Suppressor Genes - Your Cellular Brakes
These are your body's brake system:
When healthy: Stop cells from dividing too much
When damaged: Like driving with no brakes
Common examples: TP53 (the "guardian of the genome"), RB, PTEN, BRCA1/2
Result: Nothing stops abnormal cells from multiplying
The Game-Changing Discovery: Your Genes Have an ON/OFF Switch
Here's what your oncologist might not have told you: even if you have cancer-causing gene mutations, they don't have to stay active. This is where epigenetics comes in.
What is Epigenetics?
Epigenetics literally means "above genetics." It's like having a dimmer switch on your genes:
Your DNA sequence stays the same
But you can turn genes up, down, or completely off
These changes can be influenced by diet, lifestyle, stress, and toxins
Most importantly: many epigenetic changes are reversible
How Genes Get Switched On and Off
1. DNA Methylation - The Silence Switch
Imagine putting a padlock on a gene so it can't be read
Too many padlocks on tumour suppressors = cancer can grow
Nutrients like folate, B12, and SAMe affect methylation
2. Histone Modification - The Packaging Problem
Your DNA wraps around proteins called histones
Like wrapping Christmas lights - too tight and they won't work
Compounds like curcumin and EGCG can change how DNA is wrapped
3. MicroRNAs - The Volume Controllers
Tiny molecules that turn gene volume up or down
Can be influenced by diet, exercise, and supplements
Specific foods can produce cancer-fighting microRNAs
Real-Life Example: How Mercury Hijacks Your Genes
Let's look at Mark's case - a patient with urethral cancer:
Mercury exposure from dental amalgams
Depletes selenium and iodine - crucial cancer-fighting nutrients
Changes gene methylation - turns off tumour suppressors
Activates oncogenes through oxidative stress
Result: Perfect conditions for cancer development
But here's the hope: removing the mercury and replacing the nutrients can help reverse some of these changes.
The Tests That Show Your Gene Status
RGCC Tests - Your Cancer's Genetic Fingerprint
RGCC (Research Genetic Cancer Centre) tests reveal:
Which oncogenes are "switched on" in your cancer
Which tumour suppressors are "switched off"
How your specific cancer cells respond to different treatments
Which natural substances work best for YOUR cancer
What RGCC Tests Include:
Oncogene analysis: Checks genes like RAS, MYC, FGFR3
Tumour suppressor status: Evaluates TP53, PTEN, RB function
Circulating tumour cells: Finds cancer cells in your blood
Treatment sensitivity: Tests 50+ natural substances and chemotherapy drugs
Exacta Test - Precision Medicine for Cancer
The Exacta test goes even deeper:
Analyses your tumour's complete genetic profile
Identifies targetable mutations
Predicts which treatments will work
Monitors treatment effectiveness
Why Your Oncologist's Approach Isn't Enough
Traditional oncology focuses on killing cancer cells. But it rarely addresses:
Why those genes became damaged in the first place
How to prevent new mutations
Ways to switch cancer genes back off
Supporting your body's natural repair mechanisms
The Naturopathic Advantage
An integrative naturopath can help you:
1. Address Root Causes
Heavy metal toxicity
Chronic infections
Nutrient deficiencies
Chronic inflammation
2. Support Epigenetic Healing
Targeted supplements to modify gene expression
Dietary strategies to influence methylation
Stress reduction to improve gene function
Detoxification to remove gene-damaging toxins
3. Enhance Conventional Treatment
Reduce side effects
Improve treatment effectiveness
Support immune function
Prevent recurrence
Practical Steps to Influence Your Cancer Genes
Foods That Fight Cancer at the Genetic Level
Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprouts)
Switches on tumour suppressor genes
Deactivates cancer-promoting genes
Eat 2 ounces of fresh sprouts daily
Curcumin (Turmeric)
Modifies over 700 genes
Turns off inflammation genes
Mix with black pepper and fat for absorption
EGCG (Green Tea)
Reactivates silenced tumour suppressors
Blocks oncogene signals
Drink 3-4 cups daily
Quercetin (Onions, Apples)
Changes histone modifications
Induces cancer cell death
Combine with vitamin C for best effect
Lifestyle Changes That Reprogram Genes
1. Stress Management
Chronic stress activates oncogenes
Meditation can improve gene expression in just 8 weeks
Aim for 20 minutes daily
2. Exercise
Activates tumour suppressor genes
Reduces inflammatory gene expression
30 minutes of moderate exercise, 5 days a week
3. Sleep Optimisation
Poor sleep disrupts gene repair
Melatonin activates tumour suppressors
Target 7-9 hours nightly
The Power of Integrative Cancer Care
Imagine having two mechanics working on your car:
One fixes the immediate problem (oncologist)
One addresses why it broke and prevents future issues (naturopath)
Together, they offer:
Immediate cancer treatment
Long-term healing strategies
Prevention of recurrence
Quality of life improvement
Your Next Steps
Get Comprehensive Testing
Ask about RGCC or similar genetic testing
Test for heavy metals and nutrient status
Check inflammatory markers
Build Your Team
Keep your oncologist for conventional treatment
Add an experienced integrative naturopath
Ensure they communicate with each other
Take Control of Your Epigenetics
Start with diet changes today
Address stress and sleep
Consider targeted supplements under guidance
The Bottom Line: You Have More Control Than You Think
Your cancer diagnosis isn't just about bad luck or bad genes. It's about genes that have been switched to the wrong position - and many of these switches can be flipped back.
While you absolutely need conventional cancer treatment, you also deserve someone who addresses why your genes went rogue in the first place. That's where integrative cancer care shines.
Your genes may have loaded the gun, but your lifestyle and environment pulled the trigger. The good news? You can influence both.
Remember: You're not fighting cancer with just chemicals and radiation. You're reprogramming your entire genetic expression. And that's a fight you can win.
