Carcinogens: A Silent Killer

The American Heritage Dictionary defines a carcinogen as a cancer-causing substance or agent. This still leaves much to the imagination. How does one actually contract a carcinogen into their system? How does the said chemical attack the body? All shall be revealed in good time. First, we have to realize that carcinogens are a major threat to the way we live.

How does one actually obtain the carcinogen into their system? Daily we hear about something that has now been proven to cause cancer. Today it seems that we can contract cancer from almost anything. Potato chips, drinking water and asbestos all could lead to cancer. Alas, the one we hear about the most is tobacco cigarettes. Causing nearly 30 percent of all cancer related deaths, cigar

Carcinogens are still a major threat to our health. Hopefully, a cure will be found with in next few years so we can get rid of such a horrible disease. Until then, we can only hope that we shall not be struck with this disease.

These carcinogens, along with 103 other poisons give cigarettes their horrible attributes.

Tobacco smoke is not the only way you can obtain a carcinogen into your system. One can get cancer from pathogens as well. Certain viruses, such as Hepatitis B and C are responsible for 15 percent of all cancer related deaths in the United Sates (Encarta). Human papilloma virus, otherwise known as HPV, is responsible for over 70 percent of the cases of cervix cancer. Believe it or not, one’s diet can contribute to one getting a disease such as cancer. Obesity raises the risk of getting such cancers as cancer of the uterus, breast, colon, kidney and gallbladder. Consumption of alcohol also leads to getting cancer. Those who drink heavily are more likely to obtain cancers of the liver and stomach. Along with smoking, the duo creates a mighty force. Lower on the scales, but just as dangerous is radiation. Two percent of all cancer related deaths come from radiation. Depletion of the ozone layer has allowed more of the sun’s dangerous UV rays hit the population. This in return, leads to cancer of the skin.

The nongenotoxic chemicals attack the body through an entirely different mechanism. These mechanisms attack the safety systems, thus making the body more vulnerable to attacks. First, Proto-oncogenes become oncogenes. This mutation happens and causes the cell to split more rapidly. Some cells can repeat this process many times while others stay dormant. Next, Tumor suppressing genes stop working.

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