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Flashcards in Oncology 7 Deck (10)
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1
Q

What is the “7th” characteristic of all cancers?

A

genetic instability

2
Q

Genetics of cancer: the result of genetic changes in the cell. Cancer requires an accumulation of ______

A

mutations

creates a progression from a healthy cell to a malignant one

3
Q

What are the types of mutations seen in cancer?

A
  • base change
  • insertion
  • chromosome translocations
  • deletions
4
Q

Characteristics of inherited mutations

A
  • present at birth, and in every cell
  • passed from one generation to the next
  • increase the risk of cancer exponentially
  • found in many familial syndromes
5
Q

Characteristics of somatic mutations

A
  • acquired throughout life of the cell
  • not passed on to the next generation
  • increased risk of cancer, but less so
  • not associated with familial syndromes
6
Q

Inherited mutations account for only ____% of cancers

A

5-10%

7
Q

What do BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 do?

A
  • expressed in cells of breast and other tissues
  • help repair damaged DNA
  • destroy cells if DNA can’t be repaired
8
Q

What happens to cancer risk with mutation or absence of BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 proteins?

A
  • increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer

- can be inherited

9
Q

BRCA 1 or 2 mutations can be inherited: this is called _____

A

founder effect

10
Q

BRCA 1 and BRCA2 mutations account for _______ of breast cancers

A

5-10%