Oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes in breast cancer.

The aetiology of breast cancer remains elusive, but over recent years cytogeneticists have made several important discoveries. Most notable among these has been the identification of specific genes involved in the carcinogenic process. Clinicians who deal with breast cancer often feel intimidated by this explosion of genetic information. This article introduces the relevant ideas of molecular biology as they apply to the present state of understanding of breast cancer and its possible aetiology.