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Benign tumors and Cancer

pedros
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Hello, i have a few questions regarding bening tumors and cancer:

1- Why can some benign tumors become malignant tumors and some benign tumors can´t? Is it related to mutations in specific genes?
2- What classes of genes are mutated in the formation of benign tumours? In cancer mutations occur mainly in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, are these the genes that are also mutated in benign tumors?
3- Why are mutations in specific genes related to cancer in a specific tissue? For example, why is a mutation on BRCA1 more likely to develop breast cancer and not other types of cancer?
Thank you!

  • Hi Pedros

    Thanks for reaching out to Macmillan Cancer Support.  

    Our role here at Macmillan is to support people impacted by a cancer diagnosis, either directly or someone close to them.  It is difficult for me know if you are experiencing some worries or concerns regarding a diagnosis.

    We would be happy to chat with you on our support line if that would help? Our friendly team of nurses can listen and talk through what’s on your mind if you are worried by a cancer diagnosis.

    In response to your questions, we have some written information that maybe of interest to you. You can register on our website or download these booklets for free if they would be a good starting place.

    Cancer genetics

    What’s new in cancer? Immunotherapy, ADCs and BRCA genetics

    Worried about cancer

    You can also access more research specific information through the cancer research UK website. If you are undertaking a course of study and researching some more specific questions for this reason, I hope you will find some good articles within the journal databases or pub med about the interesting questions you posed.

    I hope that this helps.

    Best wishes and take care,

    Paula (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

    Ref: PL/SMJ

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