Chasing Life: Do We All Have a ‘Cancer Gene’?
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Host: Dr. Sanjay Gupta
In this insightful episode of Chasing Life, hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the focus revolves around understanding the complexities of cancer genetics and the dilemmas surrounding sleep aid usage. Two prominent questions from listeners, both posed by Nancy from Southern California, guide the discussion—first addressing concerns about hereditary cancer risk, specifically bone cancer, and second exploring the effectiveness and risks of regular sleep aid consumption versus dealing with fragmented sleep.
Caller Question 1: Do We All Have a ‘Cancer Gene’?
[00:30]
Nancy: “Hey, Dr. Gupta, I've got a cancer question... both my parents... died from bone cancer. So I became concerned and wondered if I was prone to a bone cancer death...”
Understanding Cancer Genetics
Dr. Gupta begins by debunking the common misconception that cancer is a single gene present in everyone. He elucidates that cancer encompasses a group of diseases caused by mutations in DNA—the blueprint of our lives.
[02:51] Dr. Sanjay Gupta:
"Cancer isn't a single gene. It's a group of diseases caused by changes or mutations in your DNA."
He explains the roles of DNA, genes, and RNA in cellular function and how mutations disrupt normal cell behavior, leading to uncontrolled growth and cancer development.
Hereditary Factors and Bone Cancer Specifics
While acknowledging that some mutations are inherited—like the well-known BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer—Dr. Gupta notes that primary bone cancers in adults are exceedingly rare, constituting less than 1% of all cancers in the United States annually. More commonly, what is perceived as bone cancer may actually be metastatic cancer that originated elsewhere, such as breast or prostate cancer.
He highlights rare hereditary conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome and hereditary retinoblastoma, which can increase the risk of certain bone cancers, but emphasizes that these are uncommon and typically manifest earlier in life.
Proactive Measures and Lifestyle Factors
Dr. Gupta shifts focus to actionable steps Nancy—and listeners in similar situations—can take:
- Genetic Counseling: Particularly if there's a strong family history of cancer, to assess the risk of hereditary cancer syndromes.
- Regular Screenings: Staying up-to-date with standard cancer screenings relevant to one's age and gender.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: A significant portion of cancer cases are linked to modifiable factors such as smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption.
[05:15] Dr. Gupta:
"Nearly 40% of cancer cases in adults 30 and over can be linked to modifiable lifestyle risk factors... Smoking, excess body weight, physical inactivity, poor diet, alcohol use... These are factors you can control every day."
He underscores the immense impact of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in reducing cancer risk, noting that almost half of cancer deaths in the U.S. are preventable through such measures.
Caller Question 2: Sleep Aids vs. Fragmented Sleep
[10:56]
Nancy: “I take a half a sleeping pill every night so I will sleep for more than four to five hours... is it worse to take a half a sleeping pill on a regular basis than to go back to sleep for an hour...”
Evaluating Sleep Aid Usage
Dr. Gupta addresses the common struggle between using sleep medications and dealing with interrupted sleep patterns. He presents statistics indicating that 6% of American adults use sleeping medications nightly, and 20% use them occasionally.
[10:47] Dr. Gupta:
"These medications can have short and long term side effects depending on the class of drugs... Even occasional use can cause dependence."
Risks of Regular Sleep Aid Consumption
He cautions against the regular use of sleep aids, which can lead to:
- Dependence and Rebound Insomnia: Where discontinuing use worsens sleep quality.
- Side Effects: Including memory issues, daytime drowsiness, and increased risk of accidents, especially in older adults.
Fragmented Sleep Concerns
On the other hand, fragmented sleep—waking up multiple times during the night—compromises the quality of sleep, limiting deep sleep and REM sleep, which are essential for feeling rested and rejuvenated.
Alternatives to Sleep Medications
Dr. Gupta advocates for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) as a more effective and safer alternative to sleep medications. This therapy helps retrain the brain to improve sleep patterns without the risks associated with pharmacological interventions.
[17:25] Dr. Gupta:
"CBT Insomnia can help retrain your brain to fall asleep and stay asleep. It can be done with a specialist, can even be done online now."
He encourages listeners to consult healthcare providers to explore underlying causes of sleep disturbances and to consider non-pharmacological treatments for sustained sleep health.
Conclusion
In this episode, Dr. Sanjay Gupta provides a comprehensive overview of the nuances surrounding cancer genetics and sleep health. By addressing Nancy's concerns, he not only clarifies misconceptions but also offers practical advice rooted in scientific evidence. The key takeaways emphasize the importance of understanding one's genetic risks, adopting a healthy lifestyle to mitigate cancer risk, and exploring effective, non-addictive treatments for sleep disorders.
Notable Quotes:
- Dr. Gupta: "Cancer isn't a single gene. It's a group of diseases caused by changes or mutations in your DNA." [02:51]
- Dr. Gupta: "Nearly 40% of cancer cases in adults 30 and over can be linked to modifiable lifestyle risk factors." [05:15]
- Dr. Gupta: "CBT Insomnia can help retrain your brain to fall asleep and stay asleep. It can be done with a specialist, can even be done online now." [17:25]
This episode serves as a valuable resource for listeners seeking to understand their cancer risks and improve their sleep hygiene, emphasizing informed decision-making and proactive health management.