Genetic Basis of Cancer: Changes in Genes Lead to Cancerous Cells - Essay Sample

Introduction

Cancer has been noted to be a genetic disease which is caused by certain changes to the genes of humans. Genes impact on the way human cells behave especially on growth and division (Jacobs, 2014). It should be noted that genes carry the instructions for the cells to make proteins. However, certain changes to the genes can make the cells to evade the normal growth hence developing to cancerous cells. For example, it has been established that some cancer-causing genes lead to a change in the increased production of protein which in turn, makes the cells to grow. Others have been noted to result in the production of a misshapen hence nonfunctional type of protein that repairs the cellular damage (Mundade et al. 2014). Considering that cancers are caused by the behavior of genes, genetic changes that lead to the development of different cancers can be inherited. However, research has also established that genetic changes that cause cancer can also be acquired depending on various challenges including predisposition to lifestyle like smoking and exposure to certain radiations. These materials cause damage to DNA which in, turn leads to genetic disorders.

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Impact of the Issue to the Audience

Cancer has become a major challenge globally regarding the number of deaths it causes annually. According to the World Health Organization report of 2018, an estimated 18.1 million cases of cancer were reported. Considering that every human has genes that are predisposed to genetic changes that can cause cancer, the issue is of importance to everyone who has cancer and all who want to prevent its occurrence. Genetic mutations are conventionally thought to be inherited. However, cancer has shown forms of somatic mutations which are acquired based on environmental factors such as radiations (Jacobs, 2014). In this regard, everyone is at a risk of cancer regardless of the genetic factors that are not inherited. This explains the role of somatic mutations in causing cancer that has been acknowledged for many years. Therefore, everyone needs to know the measures that can be taken to avoid the occurrence of cancer (Roukos, 2009). Besides, it has been established that somatic mutations can take place at any point in a person's life. Considering that these mutations are not hereditary, it is also important to understand how they can be prevented through lifestyle changes.

Evidence Supporting the Issue

Research has established that cancer is a genetic disease since it results from the functionality of genes in the cells. It should be noted that genes are in the cells' DNA. They control the cell functions include their growth, how they divide, and how long they live (Jacobs, 2014). Genes control the way a cell makes protein. Proteins in the cell have important roles as they act as the messengers within the cell. In this regard, each cell must give the appropriate correct instructions to make the protein. The correct detail enables the protein to perform the correct function in the cell. However, when genes mutate (change), they give the wrong instructions leading to wrong functions within the cell (Mundade et al. 2014). This creates an abnormal protein or even prevent the formation of protein. This can lead to uncontrollable multiplication of the cell hence becoming cancerous. Considering that these genetic mutations that cause cancer can be acquired or inherited, it is evident that cancer is a genetic disease.

Importance of the Issue to Me

Cancer has continued to be a global burden, that has contributed to more deaths even with the current treatment options like chemotherapy. Besides, the relationship between cancer and genetics has led to even more concerns regarding the development of methods that can combat cancer. Despite the intensive research that has been carried out to develop treatment options, few methods have been effective (Mundade et al. 2014). Even the effective methods have massive side effects that impact on the overall health of the patient (Roukos, 2009). In this regard, the issue is of significant concern to me as it is to all concerned human biologists. It should be noted that the immune system in a body is a powerful force that fights diseases to ensure we are healthy. However, cancer is able to work out a way of getting around it. Despite the development of different treatment options that can make the immune system recognize and kill it, these options do not work in all patients nor to all cancers. In this regard, the issue is of importance to me to understand and contribute to the body of knowledge regarding the relationship of cancer and genetics.

Impact of the Issue on My Knowledge

Initially, I thought that since cancer is a genetic disease, the gene must be passed from a parent to a child. However, this research has enabled me to understand the different genetic causes of cancer. I have noted that genetic changes that cause cancer can be acquired by any person at any point of life. In this regard, the acquired genetic changes can be caused by biological factors, lifestyle factors, and radiations among others. In this regard, I have learned that effective treatment of cancer needs a deep analysis of genes and genetics which explains the behavior of cells.

References

Jacobs, C. (2014). Cancer genetics: The basics. Introduction. Genetics for Health Professionals in Cancer Care, 11-17. doi:10.1093/med/9780199672844.003.0002

Mundade, R., Imperiale, T. F., Prabhu, L., Loehrer, P. J., & Lu, T. (2014). Genetic pathways, prevention, and treatment of sporadic colorectal cancer. Oncoscience, 1(6), 400. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4284625/

Roukos, D. H. (2009). Assessing both genetic variation (SNPs/CNVs) and gene-environment interactions may lead to personalized gastric cancer prevention. Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics, 9(1), 1-6. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1586/14737159.9.1.1