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Hereditary Cancer and Genetic Testing > Hereditary Cancer > Genes and Cancer

Genes and Cancer Inherited Mutations and Cancer How Are Mutations Inherited? Signs of an Inherited Mutation Types of Hereditary Cancers
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Damage and Gene Mutations

Cancers are caused by damage to the in your cells. These changes are called “gene mutations.” Gene mutations can build up in cells in your body over time. Cells with too many mutations may stop working normally, grow out of control and become cancerous. It can take many years for cells to build enough damage to become cancer.

  • Gene mutations that build up in cells are called "acquired" or "somatic" mutations.
  • are caused by “wear and tear” damage on genes over time.
  • Aging, exposure to hormones, environmental toxins, and certain viruses can cause mutations.


image of normal cells becoming cancer cells

Last updated January 31, 2022