What It Is?

Carcinogens can damage cellular DNA or interfere with normal cellular processes, leading to mutations and uncontrolled cell growth. Carcinogens can be chemical (e.g., tobacco smoke, asbestos, pesticides), physical (e.g., UV radiation, X-rays, environmental pollutants), or biological (e.g., viruses like HPV, bacteria like Helicobacter pylori, and certain parasites).

Why It's Important?

Carcinogen exposure can come from environmental sources like air pollution and contaminated water, lifestyle factors such as tobacco use and high-fat diets, or occupational hazards like asbestos and diesel exhaust.