A person’s lifetime risk for cancer may begin before they are even born, reports a paradigm-shifting study by Van Andel Institute scientists. The findings, published in Nature Cancer, identified two distinct epigenetic states that arise during development and are linked to cancer risk. One of these states is associated with a lower lifetime risk while the other is associated with a higher lifetime risk.  

When Mary Winter, BS ’81, JD ’90, of Jefferson City noticed that her rescue dog, Sadie, developed swollen lymph nodes last fall, Winter’s veterinarian confirmed what she already suspected: cancer.

Her Border Collie mix was diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer common in both dogs and people. Determined to give Sadie the highest quality of care, Winter turned to the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.