Cancer is fundamentally a genetic disease caused by mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell growth. When random mutations occur in specific genes that regulate cell division and apoptosis (programmed cell death), they can potentially lead to cancer. These key genes are often referred to as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Mutations in oncogenes can cause them to become permanently activated, driving the cell to divide uncontrollably. Conversely, mutations in tumor suppressor genes can deactivate their function, removing the cell's ability to halt division or undergo apoptosis.
