Chromosome 17

Cancer is a disease in which the body's cells divide disorderly and are likely to spread to other organs. It has always been one of the world's top causes of death. A growing population, low mortality rate, and lifestyle changes lead to an increase in the number of cancer cases. It can be caused by genetic or environmental factors or a combination of both. The risk of cancer increases with age as the body loses its ability to eliminate the damaged cells. Cancer-causing genes can be inherited or acquired due to exposure to carcinogens. Cancers are inherited when a mutation occurs in the germ cells. The carcinogens can alter the DNA of a normal gene (a proto-oncogene) converting it into a cancerous oncogene. Genes that slow cell division, fix DNA errors, or undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis) are tumor suppressor genes. Tumor suppressor genes that don't function properly can cause cells to develop out of control, leading to cancer. Cancer expresses itself differently in each individual, making it challenging to identify and treat. Studying the types of genetic mutations, as well as the genes, proteins, and signaling pathways involved in cancer formation will help better understand the underlying cause of cancer. Identifying which genes are expressed in various cancer types will enable scientists to develop novel techniques for curing the disease. This chapter will explain how different cancer types are linked to specific genes and their locations on chromosome 17.