longevitywatch

Cancer

Screening, lifestyle and what shapes your cancer risk.

68 answers, from 471 studies
Last updated: September 2026
Key questions
Does linoleic acid in tissue increase the risk of skin cancer?
The available research provides no basis for viewing linoleic acid in tissue as a risk factor for skin cancer; for BCC,…
No · Preliminary evidence
What is the role of chronic inflammation in the development of cancer?
Chronic inflammation is a proven driver of cancer: it promotes every step of tumour formation and makes tumours more resistant…
Yes · Strong evidence
Which cancer screenings are worthwhile, and from what age?
Colorectal cancer screening from age 50 and mammography from age 40 have the best evidence base for the average person; lung…
Yes · Moderate evidence
Can you repair DNA damage, or can you only prevent it?
Your body actively repairs DNA damage through multiple well-studied mechanisms, but that repair is not always perfect and…
Yes · Strong evidence
Does your telomere length tell you anything useful about your health?
Telomere length is a relevant biological measure, but does not give a clear-cut signal: shorter telomeres increase the risk of…
Moderate evidence
How can you detect melanoma early?
Early detection of melanoma is best achieved by regularly checking your own skin, knowing the ABCDE features, and consulting a…
Yes · Moderate evidence
Does alcohol increase your risk of cancer, even with one drink a day?
Yes, even one drink a day increases the risk of certain cancers, particularly breast and colorectal cancer. There is no safe…
Yes · Moderate evidence
Does eating less red meat lower your risk of cancer?
Eating less red and processed meat probably lowers your risk of colorectal cancer, and possibly of several other cancer types…
Yes · Moderate evidence
Latest articles
11 Sep
Childhood chemo leaves aging marks on the liver
Children who receive platinum-based chemotherapy may carry lasting DNA damage in their liver cells. A new study shows that the…
1 min
10 Sep
Blood test may detect cervical cancer recurrence earlier
After treatment for cervical cancer, the key question is whether the disease will return. A blood test based on freely…
1 min
07 Sep
Tumours steal a signal from immune cells
Cancer cells are resourceful. They do not just compete for space and nutrients; they also hijack the molecular signals that…
1 min
04 Sep
Tumors weaken immune cells using antioxidants
Cancer cells protect themselves by disarming the immune cells sent to destroy them. They do it using an unexpected tool:…
1 min
04 Sep
Psilocybin shields nerves during chemotherapy
A common but poorly addressed side effect of chemotherapy is lasting nerve damage in the hands and feet.
1 min
01 Sep
Personalised cancer vaccine gets new momentum with mRNA
The mRNA platform that powered Covid vaccines is now being used against cancer. Promising results in advanced melanoma are…
1 min
28 Aug
New cancer drug nearly doubles pancreatic cancer survival
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. A new drug has nearly doubled median survival compared to standard…
1 min
25 Aug
How Much Your Lifestyle Lowers Your Cancer Risk
Four lifestyle factors do the most to lower your cancer risk: not smoking, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and…
3 min
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