Carcinogen
By
Cancer Council NSW
A carcinogen is a substance, organism or agent capable of causing cancer.
Carcinogens may occur naturally in the environment (such as ultraviolet rays in sunlight) or may be generated by humans (such as cigarette smoke). Most carcinogens are dangerous as they damage a cell’s DNA to cause mutations.
The amount (dose) and duration of exposure are important factors in the risk of developing cancer and not every exposure will lead to the development of cancer.
Some of the most common carcinogens include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Ultraviolet rays
- Asbestos
- Processed meat
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis
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