The article provides an overview of the cancer genome, emphasizing the role of genetic mutations in the development of cancer. It highlights the historical insights into cancer genetics, from early observations of chromosomal abnormalities to the discovery of specific mutations in genes like *HRAS*. The authors discuss the concept of cancer as an evolutionary process, where cancer cells acquire and pass on genetic changes over time. They detail the various types of somatic mutations, including point mutations, insertions, deletions, rearrangements, and copy number variations, and their impact on cancer development. The article also introduces the distinction between "driver" and "passenger" mutations, where driver mutations confer a growth advantage and are positively selected, while passenger mutations do not contribute to cancer progression. The authors review the progress in identifying cancer genes and the challenges in distinguishing driver from passenger mutations. They emphasize the importance of large-scale sequencing studies in understanding the full spectrum of somatic mutations in cancer genomes and the potential clinical applications of this knowledge, such as personalized therapy. Finally, they discuss the future of cancer genomics, including the role of the International Cancer Genome Consortium in coordinating and standardizing sequencing efforts.The article provides an overview of the cancer genome, emphasizing the role of genetic mutations in the development of cancer. It highlights the historical insights into cancer genetics, from early observations of chromosomal abnormalities to the discovery of specific mutations in genes like *HRAS*. The authors discuss the concept of cancer as an evolutionary process, where cancer cells acquire and pass on genetic changes over time. They detail the various types of somatic mutations, including point mutations, insertions, deletions, rearrangements, and copy number variations, and their impact on cancer development. The article also introduces the distinction between "driver" and "passenger" mutations, where driver mutations confer a growth advantage and are positively selected, while passenger mutations do not contribute to cancer progression. The authors review the progress in identifying cancer genes and the challenges in distinguishing driver from passenger mutations. They emphasize the importance of large-scale sequencing studies in understanding the full spectrum of somatic mutations in cancer genomes and the potential clinical applications of this knowledge, such as personalized therapy. Finally, they discuss the future of cancer genomics, including the role of the International Cancer Genome Consortium in coordinating and standardizing sequencing efforts.