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Cholesterol Genes & Drugs, Cancer Clues, and Women Bodybuilders
A gene that doubles cholesterol, a blood test that finds 50 cancers early, shocking data on female bodybuilders’ heart risk, and a simple “shoes off” detox tip that actually works.
Tash Jamieson
October 24, 2025
Superpower Signals — 24 October, 2025
Hey friends 👋 Can a single blood test really spot 50 cancers before symptoms show? And a tough look at why more female bodybuilders are dying young.
This week:
• 3 new science and health discoveries
• Superpowered by You: Shoes off
• The Lab Note: LDL Cholesterol (it’s not all bad!)
One number:
People with one faulty LDLR gene typically have about double the normal LDL cholesterol, because fewer working receptors clear LDL from the blood. This causes cholesterol to build up even with a healthy diet or lifestyle [PMC10732334].
Latest news:
🧬 Blood test detects 50 cancers early
A trial of 25,000 adults found that the Galleri blood test detected over 50 cancer types (many with no existing screening method) and identified over half at an early, treatable stage. The test correctly ruled out cancer in 99% of negatives and accurately pinpointed the cancer’s origin in 9/10 confirmed cases [the study].
Our take: Cancer rates are rising globally, driven in part by increasing oxidative stress, genomic instability, and environmental exposures that accelerate DNA damage. Multi-cancer early detection tests are redefining screening by identifying trace fragments of tumor DNA in the blood - often before symptoms or imaging reveal disease. Studies show Galleri can accurately pinpoint cancer signals and their tissue of origin with high specificity. While mortality data are still pending, current evidence supports a shift toward molecular, precision-based screening that empowers people to act sooner, when treatment is most effective.
🏋️♀️ Female bodybuilders face 20× higher cardiac death risk
A study of nearly 9,500 female competitive bodybuilders found sudden cardiac death accounted for 31% of all deaths, a risk significantly higher than amateurs [the study].
Our take: This headline will make the rounds and probably scare yet more women away from lifting heavy. But let’s be clear: this study looked at the extreme fringe of physique competition, athletes pushing their bodies with dehydration, fasting, and steroids, not everyday lifters. For 99.9% of women, lifting weights doesn’t break your heart, it protects it [more]. Strength training builds muscle, bone, and metabolic resilience, things every woman deserves more of, not less.
🫀 New wave of cholesterol drugs targets fresh pathways
A new generation of cholesterol-lowering drugs targets fresh biological pathways - offering safer, more personalized ways to reduce ApoB and LDL, even for those who can’t tolerate statins [the review]. At the same time, new data urge caution about prescribing statins to those without existing heart disease [the study].
Our take: The era of one-size-fits-all lipid therapy is finally ending. We now know that ApoB and inflammation - not just LDL-C - drive atherosclerosis, and next-generation drugs can target these pathways with precision. But more medication isn’t always better. As LDL thresholds keep getting lower and guidelines push broader use, it’s critical to match treatment to true biological risk. The smarter path is personalized prevention: know your ApoB, Lp(a), and hsCRP before you medicate, and treat based on your body’s data, not population averages.
“Our take” is a quick, off-the-cuff perspective on the health trends catching our eye this week. It might be a personal anecdote, a gut-check, or a philosophical lens. It’s not medical advice, just our two cents. Read with nuance. Disagree with our take? Don’t unsubscribe, hit reply. We read everything!
Superpowered by You: Shoes off.
Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy (Superpower’s Medical Director) recently shared some of her simplest home detox hacks. My personal favourite? Leave your shoes at the door.
Shoes drag in pesticides, microplastics, and heavy metals: all of which end up in the dust and air you breathe. One study found that up to 90% of household pesticide residues come from outdoor footwear [the study].
Added tip: keep a basket of comfy slippers by the door. It makes guests feel welcome, not awkward, when you ask them to take off their shoes.
Superpower members have the best life hacks and health stacks. Got one? Reply and we might feature it in the newsletter... or even surprise you with a Hoodie.
The lab note:
Our optimal range: 0–75 mg/dL
What it tests for: The amount of cholesterol carried by low-density lipoproteins (“bad” cholesterol) in your blood.
What it tells you about your health: High LDL can lead to plaque buildup in arteries and raise your risk of heart disease and stroke. Keeping it low supports long-term cardiovascular health. But it’s not all bad! LDL also delivers cholesterol that your cells use to make hormones and vitamin D.
I’m off to a conference tomorrow with some heavy-hitters — David Sinclair, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, and the Ice Man himself, Wim Hof. I’ll bring back a few nuggets of wisdom for next week’s edition.
Give Superpower Signals a read and hit reply to let me know what you think. Your feedback shapes where we go next.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or wellness routine.