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shitivseen t1_j4zrnbl wrote

To clarify: The vast majority of genetic mutations do not cause cancer. Only when the mutation alters the function of tumor suppressor or pro-oncogenic genes the risk of cancer increases. Additionally there are pathways cells can utilize to prevent cancer development even if a single one mutates. A rule of thumb is that six of these specific genes need to be mutated to actually cause cancer (this can vary of course).

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