Cancer Genetics

What does it mean to inherit a predisposition for cancer?

It means a person inherited a mutation in a gene (often a tumor suppressor or DNA repair gene) that increases their risk of developing cancer.

What is the "two-hit hypothesis"?

Cancer may develop when both copies of a tumor suppressor gene are inactivated (one inherited mutation, one acquired).

What is a germline mutation?

A mutation present in egg or sperm cells that can be passed to offspring; often involved in hereditary cancer.

What is a somatic mutation?

A mutation that occurs in body cells after birth and cannot be inherited; commonly causes sporadic cancers.

Why is treating the genetic causes of cancer difficult?

Cancer involves multiple mutations, evolves over time, and varies between patients—making targeted treatment complex.

Name two types of cancer treatments and how they work.

Chemotherapy (kills rapidly dividing cells), and immunotherapy (stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells).

What are BRCA1 and BRCA2?

Tumor suppressor genes; inherited mutations in these are linked to increased breast and ovarian cancer risk.

How do genetic tests help in cancer prevention?

They identify inherited mutations, allowing for early monitoring, lifestyle changes, or preventive surgery.