• Question: Did you change any of your or your family's habits as a result of anything you learned from this study?

    Asked by anon-328827 on 7 Jun 2022.
    • Photo: Karin Purshouse

      Karin Purshouse answered on 7 Jun 2022:

      I don’t think my research area could really affect my family’s habits directly (my research doesn’t really have a lifestyle angle). As a general rule though, I think working in cancer research/medicine makes me feel that cancer can affect anyone and there are simple things we can all do to reduce our risk, like eating healthily, exercising and not smoking. There was a study that suggested that a third (33%) of the most common cancers could be prevented through these sorts of lifestyle habits, so that seems like a good place for all of us to start! I do talk to my family about these sorts of things to encourage them to do the same. I hope that answers your question!

    • Photo: Jocelyn Bisson

      Jocelyn Bisson answered on 8 Jun 2022:

      Hi Seth,

      I agree with Karin, my research doesn’t really focus on lifestyle changes but on changes in pancreatic cancer that could help detect it early. There will always be multiple factors that go into why somebody develops cancer and a lot of it sadly cannot be controlled by changing habits. However, we know that certain factors including smoking can increase the risk of cancer (and other diseases) so it’s important to try to stay as healthy as possible. Keeping healthy can also improve people’s responses to cancer therapy.

    • Photo: Erminia Romano

      Erminia Romano answered on 8 Jun 2022:

      Yes, I did. I started to give more attention to diseases prevention while improving my life style (eat healthier, do sport, try to sleep more,…)

    • Photo: Maria Peiris Pages

      Maria Peiris Pages answered on 8 Jun 2022:

      Seth, that is a really great question! Working in cancer research made me realise many things. I used to occasionally smoke and drink when I was out with my friends and I decided to stop when I went into research. I am also trying to eat much healthier this days, and exercise more! I like to go for long walks and to swim! It makes me feel so good! I also have started using sun cream much more when I go to the beach!

    • Photo: Ben Futcher

      Ben Futcher answered on 8 Jun 2022:

      As others have said, I am not sure anything in my current research would apply to my or anybody else’s habits. However, I think having a good understanding of how cancer works and what can make it more likely has made me conscious of the things I put in my body. I also will always offer advice as best I can to any of my family or friends who have questions or concerns. I am not medical doctor, but I think having a good cancer understanding can lead you in the right direction.

    • Photo: Zahra Massoud

      Zahra Massoud answered on 8 Jun 2022:

      I quit smoking! And I wear sunscreen on my face now every day (even when it’s raining)

    • Photo: Chelsea Gerada

      Chelsea Gerada answered on 8 Jun 2022:

      Definitely have recommended eating a balanced diet, getting a decent amount of exercise and to stop smoking not from my own work directly but from what I have learnt over the past few years. But its up to my family to make their own choices I think giving people information is great but you can’t force people to do something they dont want to do.

    • Photo: Rachel Harris

      Rachel Harris answered on 8 Jun 2022:

      Yes, I’m much more vigilant with wearing sunscreen now.

    • Photo: Jonathan Tugwood

      Jonathan Tugwood answered on 8 Jun 2022: last edited 8 Jun 2022 3:43 pm

      That’s a thoughtful question, Seth.
      Since working in cancer research I am much keener on a healthy lifestyle, and also very mindful of what my body is telling me. It’s clear that spotting cancer early gives you a much better chance of successful treatment, so given my age(!) I have regular health checks, particularly as there’s a history of bowel cancer in my family.

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