If cancer is a question of luck, knowing what the chances are could help
SOME scientists say cancer is just "bad luck". It’s mostly the result of DNA mutations, and cell division that suddenly, inexplicably, goes wonky. They say some people are lucky enough to have avoided cancer so far, but luck has a horrible habit of running out.Other scientists disagree. They say epigenetics, the study of how nutrition and environmental and lifestyle factors influence genes, shows people can lower their risk of getting cancer significantly. Better still, they may be able to prevent it.Johannesburg businesswomen Dr Heidi van Loggerenberg and Margie Doig-Gander sit firmly on the epigenetic side of the fence. They have harnessed their entrepreneurial drive to the fast-growing e-commerce industry in SA to build an innovative business.Called Join Circles, it is an online store that includes curated, cost-effective, at-home genetic testing kits.Their business model is based on the global trend towards personalised medicine, and the prevention of chronic noncommunicable dis...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.