Inherited and acquired mutations

Most genes come in pairs. People inherit one copy of each gene from their mother and one copy from their father. Sometimes, a parent may pass a gene with damage called a "mutation" to their children. The children can pass the same mutation to each of their children. If you were born with a gene mutation that came from your mother or father, you have an "inherited gene mutation." You can view our video on how mutations cause cancer and read more on our page How Are Mutations Inherited?

An inherited gene mutation does not always cause cancer. If you inherit a damaged gene from your father, you still have a normal copy of the same gene from your mother. 

Cell damage can also be acquired. "Acquired" mutations are damage in genes that happen after a person is born. They are caused by “wear and tear” on genes over time. Aging, exposure to hormones, environmental toxins and certain viruses can cause gene mutations. Damage that builds up in cells can lead to cancer.

People with inherited mutations are born with one already damaged gene in all of the cells in their body. This means fewer steps are needed for their cells to develop cancer. 

DNA damage repair

Cells have tools to repair DNA damage. If it cannot be repaired, the body has ways to remove the damaged cell so that it cannot divide and create more damaged cells. This system isn't always perfect, and DNA damage and gene mutations can build up in cells. Over time, this can lead to cancer. 

• Cancers in people who do not have an inherited mutation are called "sporadic" cancers.
• Cancers in people who do have an inherited mutation are called "hereditary" cancers. 
   

DNA damage repair genes

Certain genes are important for repairing DNA damage. These genes are sometimes referred to as "DNA damage repair" or "DDR" genes. 

• In normal cells, mutations in DNA damage repair genes increase the chance that the cell will become cancer. This is why inherited mutations in genes that repair DNA damage increase the risk for cancer.
• In cells that are already cancerous, mutations in DNA damage repair genes can keep the cells from repairing damage caused by treatment. This means that cancer cells with mutations in these genes may be more sensitive to certain treatments.