Cancer arises from a series of genetic mutations that disrupt normal cell cycle regulation, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Key players in these mechanisms include oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and DNA repair genes. Oncogenes are mutated versions of normal genes (proto-oncogenes) that promote cell growth and division. Tumor suppressor genes, on the other hand, act as brakes on cell proliferation. When these genes are inactivated, cells can grow uncontrollably. DNA repair genes correct errors that occur during DNA replication; mutations in these genes can lead to genomic instability and cancer.
