P53 Questions and Answers
What is p53 ?
p53 is a gene which codes for a protein found in the nucleus of every cell in the human body and many other species.
What does it do?
The p53 protein's main role is to prevent cancer cells evolving.
How does it suppress cancer?
p53 both stops damaged cells dividing and may encourage such cells to suicide.
What happens if my p53 is damaged?
If your p53 is damaged, it may be repaired. Otherwise the risk of long term change in particular tissues is increased.
How do you know this?
Recent medical research has shown that p53 is damaged in a very specific way in about 60% of people who smoke and develop lung cancer. A chemical in cigarette smoke damages p53. (4) That has been proven beyond doubt.
Is there a simple test for damaged p53 ?
No, not yet.
What can I do to protect myself?
Quit smoking.
References
1. Nature 1992;358:15-16
2. Cancer Research 1994;54:4855-4878
3. British Journal of Cancer 1994;69:409-416.
4. Science 1996;274:430-432.
Smoking and your body
Tobacco use reduces not only your life expectancy but your quality of life. Many medical conditions caused by smoking can result not just in death, but in living for years with disabling health problems.
Quitters help
Quitting smoking can be one of the most difficult, yet rewarding things a person can do. Most smokers' say they would like to quit, and may have tried at least once. Some are successful the first time, but many other people try a number of times before they finally give up for good.
Health care professionals
Practical information on smoking cessation and effective strategies that general practitioners and other practice staff can apply to identify smokers and assist them to stop smoking.
Parents and smoking
Smoking causes many harms to your body but also to those around you that are younger. How does your smoking affect the ones you care for?