The BRAF gene is a protein that promotes cell growth. Sometimes a fault can occur on the BRAF gene and this means that it's function doesn't switch off and cells continue to rapidly divide that can lead to the development of a tumour.
The BRAF mutation is more common in melanoma ( a type of skin cancer) and is present in about 50% of melanoma patients and usually these melanomas will grow faster than non BRAF mutation melanoma. The BRAF mutation can also be present in some other types of cancer such as colon, rectum and lung.
It is helpful for doctors to identify patients who have the mutation in their cancer cells as there are targeted drugs designed to seek out the BRAF mutation and switch off it's function.
I hope this helps.
Please get back to us if you need any more information or support. You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.
