Researchers at the University of Cambridge have found that inherited genetics can influence not only a person’s risk of developing cancer, but also how tumors evolve after DNA damage. In a controlled mouse study, scientists showed that individuals with different genetic backgrounds followed distinct pathways of tumor development, even when exposed to the same cancer-causing agent. The findings suggest that inherited genes interact with DNA mutations acquired during life, helping explain why people exposed to similar environmental risks can experience very different cancer outcomes. The study also revealed that genetic background can shape the specific mutations tumors acquire as they grow. The discovery could improve future cancer prevention, screening, and treatment by enabling more personalized approaches based on a patient’s genetic profile. However, researchers note that further studies are needed to confirm whether the findings apply similarly in humans.
