Cancer develops when certain genes that control cell growth become damaged or altered. These cancer-linked genes fall into two major categories: oncogenes (genes that drive uncontrolled growth) and tumor suppressor genes (genes that normally prevent cancer but stop working when mutated).
Major Oncogenes (Cancer-Promoting Genes)
- RAS genes (KRAS, NRAS, HRAS): Among the most common drivers of lung, colon, and pancreatic cancers.
- MYC: Pushes cells to grow rapidly; linked to breast cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma.
- BRAF: Known for the V600E mutation in melanoma and thyroid cancer.
- HER2/ERBB2: Causes aggressive breast cancers when overexpressed.
Major Tumor Suppressor Genes (When Lost, Cancer Grows)
- TP53: The most frequently mutated gene in human cancers; fails to stop damaged cells from dividing.
- BRCA1 & BRCA2: Increase the risk of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.
- APC: A key gene in colon cancer development.
- PTEN: Regulates cell growth; mutations are linked to breast, thyroid, and endometrial cancers.
- RB1: Loss leads to retinoblastoma and other tumors.
Why These Genes Matter
Identifying mutations helps doctors:
- Predict cancer risk,
- Choose targeted therapies (like HER2 inhibitors or BRAF blockers),
- Personalize early screening and prevention.
Understanding your genetic risks can transform cancer from a silent threat into a preventable one.
MBH/AB