DNA
Also known as: deoxyribonucleic acid
The molecule that carries the genetic instructions inside every cell of the body.
Definition
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions used to build and run every cell. Cancer is fundamentally a disease of damaged DNA: mutations accumulate in genes that control cell division, DNA repair and programmed cell death, allowing a cell to grow out of control.
Some DNA changes are inherited (such as BRCA1/2 mutations); most are acquired during life through ageing, tobacco, radiation or random copying errors. Modern genetic and molecular tests read tumour DNA to identify mutations that can be matched to specific targeted therapies.
See also
- Apoptosis — The body's built-in process of programmed cell death that keeps tissues healthy.
- BRCA1 / BRCA2 — Inherited gene mutations that significantly raise the lifetime risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
- Genetic Testing — Tests that examine genes to find inherited risk or to guide cancer treatment.
- Targeted Therapy — Drugs designed to attack specific molecules involved in cancer growth, with less harm to normal cells.
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Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rehan Abdullah
Dr. Rehan Abdullah is a dual-trained clinical and radiation oncologist with over a decade of experience treating both solid tumours and hematologic malignancies. He serves as Consultant Oncologist at INMOL Hospital and sees patients at Farooq Hospital and Healthnox Medical Center, Lahore. Read full profile →
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