Sporadic (acquired) mutations and cancer risk

Most cancers are caused by genetic changes that happen mostly by chance and are not inherited. They are acquired sometime during a person’s lifetime. These genetic changes are called sporadic (spontaneous) or acquired mutations. Sometimes these mutations are errors that occur during cell division. They can also be caused by things that damage a cell’s DNA, such as smoking, exposure to certain chemicals and radiation. The risk of sporadic mutations increases with age.

Most of these mutations occur in somatic cells. Somatic cells are any cells in the body other than egg and sperm cells (germ cellsgerm cellsA reproductive cell (sperm cell in males and egg cell in females).). Mutations in somatic cells cannot be passed down from a parent to a child. Mutations that can be passed down (are hereditary) are present in all cells of an individual, including the germ cells.

Reducing your risk

You can help reduce your risk of developing cancer by doing the following:

• Live well.
  • You can reduce your cancer risk by making healthy choices every day.
• Be aware.
  • You can help find cancer early by getting regular checkups, participating in screening programs and knowing your body.
• Get involved.
  • You can fight for change in your community to help reduce cancer risks.