Cancer is a genetic disorder. It implies that cancer is caused by certain genetic changes, which control the way the cells function, especially their growing and dividing. Genes contain instruction in them that helps in protein formation, and that is what does maximum work in the cells. However, some specific gene mutations can make the cells evade their typical growth controls and become malignant. Here, we will understand the relationship between cancer and genetics. 

Cancer-causing genes
The genes responsible for cancer development can be classified into three key categories. 

1. Tumor suppressor genes
Also known as the guarding genes, these prevent cell growth by controlling when a cell dies, repairing any mismatched DNA, and keeping a tab on the cell division. However, when the tumor suppressor genes divide, they might lead to tumors.  

2. Oncogenes
Oncogenes are responsible for damaging a healthy cell and making it a cancer-infected cell. Such changes are not inherited. 

3. DNA repair genes  
Anytime a DNA is replicated, the repair genes run into action and cater to the damage control. Usually, they work as tumor suppressor genes. However, when there is an issue with these genes, the mistakes are not corrected. Over time, these mistakes become mutations, which can result in cancer.  

Cancer and gene mutations  
In a person infected with cancer, the cells do not grow or divide the way they should. It follows because of the mutations happening inside the cell. Typically, there are two kinds of gene mutations. 

1. Inherited gene mutation
Such mutations are found in the eggs or the sperm cell responsible for the baby’s formation. When sperm travels to the eggs for fertilization, it forms one cell. This single-cell grows and divides multiple times to create a baby. As every cell is generated from that one infected cell, the mutation divides. Consequently, it enters every cell, including the eggs and the sperm. This is precisely where cancer and genetics work. As the mutations will be passed on from one generation to another, it increases the susceptibility to developing cancer. 

2. Acquired gene mutation
The acquired gene mutation is not hereditary; instead, it is developed later in life. In the beginning, a single cell is infected. However, over time, the mutation is passed to several new cells created from one infected cell. These mutations are not found in the egg or the sperm cells. Hence, they will not be passed on to the next generation. However, compared to the   inherited gene mutation, the acquired gene mutations are relatively more common. In most people, cancer develops because of this mutation. 

Typically, the family cancer syndromes occur as a result of inherited gene mutation in tumor suppressor genes. The tumor suppressor genes are responsible for keeping the cells in check by slowing down their division, triggering them to die at the right time, and correcting DNA mistakes.