Dr. Charlotte Hacker discusses the complex genetics behind why dogs get cancer. Despite common beliefs, larger animals like elephants and blue whales rarely get cancer due to high levels of tumor suppressor genes like p53. Unfortunately, dogs' genetic makeup, influenced by rapid, human-directed breeding practices, makes them particularly susceptible to cancer.  

Dr. Hacker explains the role of DNA, mutations, proto-oncogenes, and tumor suppressor genes in cancer development. She emphasizes variability across breeds, hereditary and spontaneous mutations, and environmental factors like UV light. Preventive measures for genetic and spontaneous mutations in dogs, common cancer-related genes in different breeds, and the promise of emerging research in fields like epigenetics are also discussed. 

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Related Videos: 

https://youtu.be/uBCRRQyaTgE 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7Wvo9IjcvA 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlkWnaCYvfU  

Related Links: 

Genetic Mutations and Dog Cancer: An Overview (article) https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/stats-and-facts/genetic-mutations-and-dog-cancer/ 

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction 

00:21 Meet Dr. Charlotte Hacker 

01:09 Understanding Dog Genetics 

03:06 DNA and Its Role in Cancer 

06:48 Mutations and Their Effects 

18:43 Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressors 

24:14 Preventing Mutations in Dogs 

25:49 Conclusion and Resources 

33:55 Closing Remarks and Resources 

Get to know Charlotte Hacker:

https://www.dogcancer.com/people/charlotte-hacker-ms-phd/   

For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education, go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/  

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