Cancer is fundamentally a disease of genetic mutations. When mutagens induce changes in the DNA, they can disrupt normal cellular functions, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Mutations in specific genes known as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are particularly critical. Oncogenes promote cell division and growth, whereas tumor suppressor genes inhibit these processes. Mutations that activate oncogenes or inactivate tumor suppressor genes can lead to the development of cancer.
