Order Carcinogen Kit

Carcinogens are substances, agents, or exposures that can lead to cancer by causing changes (mutations) in a cell’s DNA or promoting abnormal cell growth. They may be chemical, physical, or biological in nature.

Types of Carcinogens

1. Chemical Carcinogens

  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) – found in tobacco smoke, grilled meat
  • Aflatoxins – toxins produced by Aspergillus species in contaminated grains and nuts
  • Asbestos – used in construction materials; linked to mesothelioma
  • Formaldehyde – used in building materials and industrial processes
  • Benzene – found in industrial solvents and cigarette smoke

2. Physical Carcinogens

  • Ultraviolet (UV) radiation – from the sun; causes skin cancer
  • Ionizing radiation – from X-rays or radioactive materials; associated with various cancers

3. Biological Carcinogens

  • Oncogenic viruses:
    • Human papillomavirus (HPV) – cervical cancer
    • Hepatitis B and C viruses – liver cancer
    • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) – nasopharyngeal carcinoma, some lymphomas
  • Bacteria:
    • Helicobacter pylori – stomach cancer
  • Parasites:
    • Schistosoma haematobium – bladder cancer

Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis

  1. Initiation – DNA damage or mutation by carcinogens
  2. Promotion – clonal expansion of mutated cells
  3. Progression – additional mutations, leading to invasive and metastatic cancer

Carcinogen Classification by IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer)

  • Group 1 – Carcinogenic to humans (e.g., tobacco, asbestos, processed meat)
  • Group 2A – Probably carcinogenic (e.g., red meat, glyphosate)
  • Group 2B – Possibly carcinogenic (e.g., mobile phone radiation)
  • Group 3 – Not classifiable
  • Group 4 – Probably not carcinogenic (only a few substances in this group)

Prevention and Regulation

  • Avoidance of known carcinogens (e.g., smoking cessation, sun protection)
  • Use of protective equipment in workplaces
  • Regulations on industrial emissions, food additives, and cosmetics
  • Cancer screening programs for early detection

Group 1 Carcinogens (Confirmed to cause cancer in humans)

Chemical Carcinogens

  • Tobacco smoke (including secondhand smoke)
  • Asbestos
  • Arsenic (in drinking water)
  • Benzene
  • Formaldehyde
  • Aflatoxins (from moldy grains/nuts)
  • Vinyl chloride (used in PVC production)
  • Ethylene oxide
  • Cadmium and cadmium compounds
  • Chromium (VI) compounds
  • Silica dust (crystalline)
  • Diesel engine exhaust
  • 1,3-Butadiene (used in rubber production)

Physical Carcinogens

  • Ultraviolet (UV) radiation (from sun or tanning beds)
  • Ionizing radiation (X-rays, gamma rays, radon gas)

Biological Carcinogens

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) – cervical, throat cancers
  • Hepatitis B and C viruses – liver cancer
  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) – lymphomas, nasopharyngeal cancer
  • Helicobacter pylori – stomach cancer
  • Schistosoma haematobium – bladder cancer
  • Human T-cell leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-1)

Lifestyle-Related Carcinogens

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Processed meats (e.g., bacon, sausages)
  • Coal tar and coal-tar pitch
  • Opium (smoked or ingested)

Notable Group 2A (Probably Carcinogenic)

  • Red meat
  • Glyphosate (herbicide)
  • Anabolic steroids
  • Night shift work (disrupting circadian rhythm)
  • Frying emissions (from high-heat cooking)