Introduction
Cancer continues to be a prevalent health concern, affecting approximately 1 in 4 individuals globally. Carcinogens, substances or exposures that can lead to the development of cancer, contribute significantly to this statistic. However, not all carcinogens guarantee cancer manifestation. This article aims to elucidate three common carcinogens and their impact on cancer risk
Tobacco Smoking
Tobacco smoking stands out as one of the most widely recognized carcinogens. Associated primarily with lung cancer, tobacco use also elevates the risk of cancers affecting various organs, including the bladder, head and neck, pancreas, kidney, cervix, and stomach. A single puff of a cigarette contains around 70 known carcinogens. Some of these include:
Nicotine
Hydrogen cyanide (prevents our bodies from using oxygen)
Formaldehyde (used to make home building products and furniture)
Lead
Arsenic
Ammonia (when inhaled, can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, etc.)
Radioactive elements, such as polonium-210
Benzene (used to make plastics, metals, dyes, etc.)
Carbon monoxide
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption, widely used in various beverages and even everyday products like mouthwash, correlates positively with the risk of alcohol-associated cancers. Moderate alcohol intake, defined as two drinks or less for men or one drink or less for women per day, poses a relatively lower risk compared to heavy consumption. Heavy alcohol consumption (4 drinks or more in a day or 8 or more per week for women and 5 or more per day or 15 or more per week for men) significantly increases the likelihood of developing alcohol related cancers. These include head and neck, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and cancer, with the risk amplifying when combined with tobacco use.
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation
UV radiation, radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds, presents a significant carcinogenic risk. Exposure to UV rays can damage DNA in the skin cells, potentially leading to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer. UVB rays cause surface burns, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, inducing aging. Individuals with lighter skin tones are prone to sunburn and therefore, face a higher risk of UV-induced skin damage. Common cancers associated with UV radiation included non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal and squamous cell carcinoma.
Conclusion
Understanding common carcinogens and their implication for cancer risk is vital for public health. Tobacco smoking, alcohol , and exposure to UV radiation represent modifiable risk factors that individuals can mitigate through informed lifestyle choices and preventative measures. We can reduce the burden of cancer and strive towards a healthier future for all. After all, the best way to cure cancer is to prevent it from happening in the first place!
References
D'Orazio, J., Jarrett, S., Amaro-Ortiz, A., & Scott, T. (2013). UV radiation and the skin. International journal of molecular sciences, 14(6), 12222–12248. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms140612222 Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board