We know there are substances in our environment that are proven carcinogens—ionizing radiation, electromagnetic fields, organochlorines, pesticides and herbicides.
a chemical or physical agent (e g , a drug, radiation) that facilitates the development of cancer
A carcinogen is a substance which can cause cancer. a substance that can cause cancer. Agent that can cause cancer. Exposure to one or more carcinogens, including certain chemicals, radiation, and certain viruses, can initiate cancer under conditions not completely understood. Some people have a genetic tendency to develop cancer when exposed to a specific carcinogen or combination of carcinogens. Repeated local injury or irritation to a part of the body can be carcinogenic. Identifying and eliminating carcinogens in time can reduce the incidence of cancer
- a complex multistage process of abnormal cell growth and differentiation that can lead to cancer Usually at least two stages and toxicants are involved: initiation in which a normal cell undergoes irreversible changes and promotion in which the initiated cells are stimulated to progress to cancer
The potential for development of cancer in a living individual A cancer is a malignant tumor resulting from a change in the normal growth and development of cells (Cancerous tumors have the tendency to invade surrounding tissue and spread to other sites in the body )