Understanding Cancer-Causing Genes: Oncogenes & Tumor Suppressors

Oncogenes:

These are mutated or altered versions of normal genes that regulate cell growth and division. In their altered form, oncogenes can cause cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to the formation of tumors.

Tumor suppressor genes:

These genes normally function to prevent cells from growing and dividing excessively. When tumor suppressor genes are mutated or lost, cells can escape normal growth control and progress towards cancer development.