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How Carcinogens Cause Cancer

 

             One of the scariest things in the world is to find out that you or a loved one has cancer. There are many ways cancer can develop, however the cause that interested me the most is when a chemical called a carcinogen causes cells to lose control of their normal function, leading to cancer. .
             Carcinogens are defined as any substance or agent that can trigger cancer in animal tissue. Carcinogens are everywhere - they can be organic, such as certain molds and viruses, and they can also be inorganic, such as asbestos and arsenic. Certain types of radiation, such as ultraviolet and X-rays, are also types of carcinogens. Tobacco smoke that is inhaled, as well as DDT and other pesticides that are absorbed through the skin, are considered carcinogens. It has been predicted that environmental carcinogens will cause 30% of Americans to die of cancer by the time they reach the age of 74.
             Cancer results when carcinogens cause cells to lose control of their standard functions. This happens when a carcinogen makes a harmful DNA mutation. Once DNA has been mutated, cell development and replication becomes abnormal. Uncontrolled cell division leads to the development of tumors. A tumor that attacks surrounding tissue and spreads to other parts of the body is malignant (a cancerous tumor). A tumor that does not attack surrounding tissue is benign (a generally non-fatal tumor). .
             When a cancer cell breaks away from the tumor and spreads to other parts of the body, it is known as metastasis. Metastasizing cells give off digestive enzymes into a blood vessel, and establish tumors in new tissue.
             Cancer cells are different from normal cells because their structure is different and they do not have specialized jobs. Cancer cells compete with normal cells for nutrients, and they end up killing normal tissue. Cancer symptoms may include frailty, lack of appetite, and weight loss. Ways to detect cancer include visual observation, palpation, X-rays, CAT scans, ultrasounds, and biopsies.


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