Mutations which cause cancer

When mutations occur in these genes, a cell may begin to divide without control. Cells that divide when they are not supposed to may eventually become a cancer.

All cancer is the result of gene mutations. Mutations may be caused by aging, exposure to chemicals, radiation, hormones or other factors in the body and the environment. Over time, a number of mutations may occur in a single cell, allowing it to divide and grow in a way that becomes a cancer. This usually takes many years, and explains why most cancers occur at a later age in life.

Because most people are not born with these ''acquired'' gene mutations, they cannot pass them on to their children. An increasing number of cancers are known to be hereditary. This means that they are related to a specific gene mutation that is passed down inherited in a family. This means it may be passed down to the next generation. Individuals who inherit such gene mutations have a higher risk of developing certain forms of cancer as compared to the general population. Inherited gene mutations help to explain why, in some families, we see more people than expected with certain kinds of cancer.

Research has found some of the genes that help to explain specific patterns of hereditary cancer in some families. Other genes, with varying degrees of significance, will continue to be identified in the future. By studying families with inherited gene mutations, researchers know of features that may help to identify other families at risk for hereditary cancer. Genetics and Colorectal Cancer. Information for Researchers.

Cancers are caused by damage to the DNA in your cells. Cells with too many mutations may stop working normally, grow out of control and become cancerous.

It can take many years for cells to build enough damage to become cancer. Learn about gene changes called mutations, how inherited mutations can lead to cancer, what types of cancer may be hereditary and how parents can pass gene mutations to their children.

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