Genetic mutations play a key role in how we understand and classify tumors, which are lumps of tissue that can be cancerous.

Did you know that about 70-90% of cancers have some sort of genetic change?

These mutations can be grouped into two main types:

1. Driver Mutations:

   • These are the changes that help tumors start and grow.
   • A famous example is the TP53 mutation, which is found in more than half of all cancers.

2. Passenger Mutations:

   • These changes don’t affect how the tumor behaves.
   • There can be thousands of these mutations in a single tumor.

By studying the genetic makeup of tumors, doctors can offer more personalized treatments. This means that about 25% of patients can receive special therapies that target their specific mutations.

This approach helps improve treatment and care for people with cancer!