The Exposome and Cancer: Unraveling the Complex Interplay of Environment, Lifestyle, and Genetics

The field of cancer research is beginning to embrace a broader perspective that goes beyond genetic and molecular studies, recognizing the significant role that environmental factors and lifestyle choices play in cancer etiology. The concept of the exposome, which encompasses all non-genetic exposures throughout an individual's life, provides a more holistic framework to investigate the origins and disparities of cancer, as well as opportunities for prevention. Particularly, the impact of such exposures is pronounced in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where environmental and infectious agents contribute significantly to cancer risks and progression.

This Research Topic aims to delve deeper into how the exposome affects cancer development and to foster the development of innovative research methodologies. We aim to clarify the mechanisms through which environmental and lifestyle factors influence cancer, address disparities in cancer outcomes across different populations, and enhance the application of exposomic data in oncology.

To gather further insights into these areas, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Advances in technologies and methodologies for measuring and analyzing the exposome.

• Mechanistic pathways by which environmental, lifestyle, and biological factors interact to influence cancer risk and progression.

• The role of environmental and infectious agents in exacerbating cancer disparities, particularly in LMICs.

• Applications of exposomic research in precision oncology and public health policies.

• Impact of global environmental changes on cancer epidemiology.

This Research Topic caters to a diverse audience including oncologists, epidemiologists, environmental scientists, and policymakers, and aims to bridge critical gaps in our understanding of how environmental and non-genetic factors contribute to cancer, paving the way for targeted prevention and tailored therapeutic strategies.