p53

The Gene that Cracked the Cancer Code

Author: Sue Armstrong

Read by: Stephanie Beattie

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At a Glance

Format
Digital Audiobook

Duration
09:31.10

Published: 12th March 2026

Digital Audiobook

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Bloomsbury presents P53: The Gene that cracked the cancer code by Sue Armstrong, read by Stephanie Beattie

The BMA Medical Book Award-shortlisted story of the search for p53 - the most important gene in medicine.

All of us have lurking in our DNA a most remarkable gene, which has a crucial job - it protects us from cancer. Known simply as p53, this gene constantly scans our cells to ensure that they grow and divide without mishap. If a cell makes a mistake in copying its DNA during the process of division, p53 stops it in its tracks, summoning a repair team before allowing the cell to carry on dividing. If the mistake is irreparable and the rogue cell threatens to grow out of control, p53 commands the cell to commit suicide. Cancer cannot develop unless p53 itself is damaged or prevented from functioning normally.

This book tells the story of medical science's mission to unravel the mysteries of this crucial gene, and to get to the heart of what happens in our cells when they turn cancerous, highlighting the tremendous recent advances made in our understanding of cancer.