Cancer Support - Causes & Risk Factors: Genetics & Epigenetics

Question 1

Are most cancer-causing mutations inherited or acquired?

Answer 1

Most mutations are acquired (somatic), not inherited.

Question 2

What environmental factors contribute to acquired mutations?

Answer 2

Carcinogens, radiation, infections, poor diet, obesity, chronic inflammation.

Question 3

What percentage of cancers are due to inherited mutations?

Answer 3

5–10% of cancers are linked to inherited gene mutations.

Question 4

What types of genes may be affected by inherited mutations?

Answer 4

Genes involved in detoxification, antioxidant activity, and cell repair.

Question 5

Which inherited mutations are linked to increased breast cancer risk?

Answer 5

BRCA1, BRCA2, ESR1, and ESR2 SNPs.

Question 6

Which SNPs are associated with prostate, lung and gut cancers?

Answer 6

GSTP1, VDR, MTHFR, CYP1A1 (lung), CYP1B1 (prostate).

Question 7

What are epigenetic influences?

Answer 7

Factors that affect gene expression without changing DNA sequence — dynamic and reversible.

Question 8

What are examples of epigenetic influences?

Answer 8

Diet, infections, drugs, pollutants, cigarette smoke, inflammation.

Question 9

Does high genetic risk mean a person will get cancer?

Answer 9

No — gene expression depends on environmental and lifestyle factors.

Question 10

How can clinicians reduce cancer risk based on genetics?

Answer 10

By identifying and reducing cancer promoters, and increasing anti-cancer factors.