How Do Errors in DNA Repair Mechanisms Contribute to Cancer?
Errors in DNA repair mechanisms can significantly increase the risk of cancer. The human body has several DNA repair pathways that correct errors that occur during DNA replication. If these repair mechanisms fail, errors accumulate, leading to mutations that can initiate cancer. For example, defects in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are involved in the repair of double-strand breaks in DNA, are linked to a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
