What are oncogenes?
An oncogene is a gene which has the capability to cause a cell to turn malignant. There are a number of ways in which an oncogene can enter the body, and these genes can also act in a variety of ways. Many oncogenes are cell division genes which have gone awry, but other types of genetic information can contribute to the development of malignancies, such as genes which regulate cell death. Oncogenes must be activated in order for a malignancy to develop, which means that people can carry them without having cancer. People who carry oncogenes are at increased risk of developing cancer, and may be encouraged to take steps to control their risk.
