British researchers publish first detailed map of genetic faults that cause cancer
Researchers publish first detailed map of genetic faults that cause cancer, which should help in finding cures for the disease
The first detailed map of genetic faults that cause cancers has been published, offering profound insights into the disease.
Independent cancer specialists who have seen the research said it was "extremely important" and was likely to lead to new strategies to prevent and ultimately treat the disease.
While scientists know, or have a good idea about, the causes of around half of the genetic signatures behind cancers, the rest are a mystery. They may be due to chemicals in the environment, or faults that arise during ageing.
Most cancers are thought to be caused by mutations in DNA, perhaps triggered by chemicals or radiation, which go unrepaired and build up over a person's lifetime. The mutations eventually lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation.
The causes of some cancers are well understood.
Too much ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun's rays causes mutations in skin cells, and if those mutations fall in certain genes in one cell, the cell becomes a cancer. Similarly, the chemicals in tobacco smoke cause mutations in mouth, throat and lung cells, and lead directly to tumours.