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Genetic changes that contribute to cancer generally occur by affecting three main types of genes.
These are proto-oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and DNA repair genes. Proto-oncogenes play a role in normal cell growth and division. However, when these genes are altered in certain ways or become more active than normal, they can become cancer-causing genes (or oncogenes), allowing cells to grow and survive unchecked.
Tumor suppressor genes also play a significant role in controlling cell growth and division. Cells with certain changes in tumor suppressor genes can divide uncontrollably.
DNA repair genes are involved in repairing damaged DNA. Cells with mutations in these genes tend to develop additional mutations in other genes and changes such as amplifications and deletions of chromosome segments in their chromosomes.
The accumulation of these mutations can lead to cells becoming cancerous. However, many cancer treatments are now available that target gene mutations found in cancer cells. Some of these treatments can be used by anyone with cancer that has the targeted mutation, regardless of where the cancer started. The most appropriate treatment option may vary depending on the type and stage of cancer.
What types of genes cause cancer?
These are proto-oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and DNA repair genes. Proto-oncogenes play a role in normal cell growth and division. However, when these genes are altered in certain ways or become more active than normal, they can become cancer-causing genes (or oncogenes), allowing cells to grow and survive unchecked.
Tumor suppressor genes also play a significant role in controlling cell growth and division. Cells with certain changes in tumor suppressor genes can divide uncontrollably.
DNA repair genes are involved in repairing damaged DNA. Cells with mutations in these genes tend to develop additional mutations in other genes and changes such as amplifications and deletions of chromosome segments in their chromosomes.
The accumulation of these mutations can lead to cells becoming cancerous. However, many cancer treatments are now available that target gene mutations found in cancer cells. Some of these treatments can be used by anyone with cancer that has the targeted mutation, regardless of where the cancer started. The most appropriate treatment option may vary depending on the type and stage of cancer.