other factors

• AGE:

  • a cell needs to accumulate mutations in both TS genes and PO genes to become a cancer cell
  • more than one somatic mutation required to produce all changes characteristic of a full-fledged cancer cell
  • cancer results from accumulation of mutations -> mutations occur throughout one's life -> longer we live, increased chances of developing cancer
• INHERITED PREDISPOSITION:

  • if an oncogene or mutated TS gene is already present in sperm of father or egg of mother -> genetic damage can be passed on to children
  • such individuals one step closer to accumulating necessary mutations for cancer to develop than individuals without such mutations
• LOSS OF IMMUNITY:

  • decreased immunity -> increased likelihood of cancerous growths and metastasis