Clinical Cancer Genetics Flashcards
How long is the human genome?
β 3 billion BP
What % of the human genome codes for genes?
β 2%
What is DNA?
β A molecule which contains the human genetic code
What are genes?
βThe instructions to tell the body how to grow, develop and function
βConsist of sections of DNA which the cell translates into proteins
How many genetic changes does one person have compared to another?
β 5 million different genetic changes
What is the lifetime risk for developing cancer?
β 1 in 2
What three types of cancer are there?
β Sporadic
β familial cancer
β high risk genes
How do sporadic cancers arise?
β due to acquired (somatic) mutations within a cell that occur during replications
What are the two internal changes that lead to sporadic cancers?
βreactive oxygen species
β ineffective DNA repair mechanisms
What are the 4 external changes that lead to sporadic cancer?
βUV light
β ionising radiation
β cigarette smoke
βchemical consumption
What is inherited cancer risk?
β Genetic changes we are born with which increase the risk of developing cancer
What types of inherited cancer risks are there?
β High risk changes
β moderate risk changes
β low risk changes
If there is clustering of the same types of cancer in a family what is this called?
β multifactorial risk
If you have a lot of common variants what does this mean?
β risk of cancer is pushed up from the normal distribution
What are the high risk cancer predisposition genes for breast and ovarian cancer?
β BRCA
What are the high risk cancer predisposition genes for prostate and pancreatic cancer?
β BRCA2