Cancer and the genome

[notification status=’info’]Note: This factsheet has been designed as a post-session handout for learners taking part in a Genomics Game session, but can also be used as learning resources in other settings. See the full collection here.[/notification]

Key facts

• Cancer is a disease of the genome.
• Cells can become cancerous due to specific changes in the DNA, resulting in abnormal growth and division.
• In the majority of cases, these changes occur within a person’s lifetime, although in some rare cases these changes can be inherited.
• Comparing the genome of cancer cells with those of healthy cells can help to inform the diagnosis, prognosis and even the treatment of the disease.

Did you know?

• Around 5%-10% of cancers are associated with inherited changes to the DNA. Just because an individual has inherited a change does not mean they will develop cancer. Further changes have to occur within their lifetime.
• Angelina Jolie chose to have prophylactic surgery after it was confirmed that she had inherited a variant in her genome that increased her chances of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

Find out more

For information about cancer and genomics, visit Cancer Research UK.