What causes cancer?

What drives cancer cells to grow and divide uncontrollably and to escape cell death? Studies of mutations in tumor suppressor genes have provided key answers to this question.

Tumor suppressor genes often function to restrain inappropriate cell growth and division, as well as to stimulate cell death to keep our cells in proper balance. In addition, some of these genes are involved in DNA repair processes, which help prevent the accumulation of mutations in cancer-related genes.

In this way, tumor suppressor genes act as "brakes" to stop cells in their tracks before they can take the road to cancer. Given this situation, loss of tumor suppressor gene function can be disastrous, and it often puts once-normal cells on the fast track to disease.

Cancer is such a common disease that it is no surprise that many families have at least a few members who have had cancer.

Genetic testing can be useful for people with certain types of cancer that seem to run in their families, but these tests aren't recommended for everyone.

Making some simple changes to your lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of developing cancer. For example, healthy eating, taking regular exercise and not smoking will all help lower your risk.

A healthy lifestyle can help reduce your chances of developing cancer.