Epidemiology of Genetic Disorders and DNA - Genetics and Cancer

Genetics and Cancer

Epidemiology of Genetic Disorders

·        9,000 known genetic diseases

·        5% have genetic diseases before 25

·        60% during lifetime (includes diabetes, heart disease, cancer)

DNA

·        There is frequent mutation in rapidly dividing cells: but repair mechanisms „mop up‟

·        If there is a sustained mutation in:

o   Essential gene ® lethal

o   Non-coding gene ® no effect 

o   Non-essential gene ® human variability/disease