Why is cancer called a genetic disease? a. Cancer is always...

Why is cancer called a genetic disease?
a. Cancer is always inherited.
b. Carcinogenesis is accompanied by mutations.
c. Cancer causes mutations that are passed on to offspring.
d. All of these are correct.

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Key Concepts

Somatic vs. Inherited Mutations

Somatic mutations occur in non-reproductive cells and are acquired during an individual's lifetime, typically due to environmental factors or replication errors, while inherited mutations are passed from parents to offspring. In the context of cancer, most mutations that drive the disease are somatic, meaning that the genetic errors occur and accumulate within the cells of the body rather than being inherited.

Genetic Mutation

A genetic mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that can alter the function or regulation of genes. In the context of cancer, these mutations can disrupt normal cell processes, leading cells to proliferate uncontrollably. Mutations can be induced by environmental factors or may occur spontaneously during cell division, and they play a critical role in the transformation of normal cells into malignant ones.

Carcinogenesis

Carcinogenesis is the process by which normal cells transform into cancer cells. This process is characterized by the accumulation of genetic mutations, which can affect key regulatory genes such as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. The stepwise mutation accumulation leads to the loss of normal cell growth controls and the development of cancer.

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