Genetic Genes and Cancer

Genetic Genes and Cancer: In the human body, there are proto - oncogenes and tumor - suppressor genes. Under normal circumstances, proto - oncogenes are involved in processes such as cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. However, once they mutate, they may transform into oncogenes, which can cause cells to proliferate malignantly. Tumor - suppressor genes, on the other hand, are responsible for inhibiting excessive cell proliferation and repairing DNA damage. When tumor - suppressor genes mutate or are deleted, their tumor - suppressing function is lost, and cells are prone to becoming cancerous.

For instance, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are closely associated with the development of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Individuals carrying mutations in these two genes have a significantly increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers.