Written by: Sarthak Pradhananga - 20122, Grade XII
Posted on: 23 October, 2019
Cancer is one of the most deadliest diseases on the planet. So, what causes cancer? It's something known as a carcinogen. Carcinogens are materials or other agents that cause or worsen any form of cancer. Carcinogens range from chemicals, radiation, food and other external factors.
Excessive radiation is a form of carcinogen. UV rays from solar radiation causes skin cancer. Exposure with other radioactive substances also increases the risk of cancer. The nuclear radiation during the Second World War in Japan is an example.
Specific foods we eat also become carcinogens as well. Caffeine, oil, canned food, etc becomes carcinogenic when consumed in excess. Fat rich diets can also be carcinogenic causing colon cancer. Foods like Charred Barbeque and betel nut should be avoided as they are carcinogenic food products.
Different chemicals can show carcinogenic effect. Tar found in tobacco smoke is a major chemical carcinogen. Industrial chemicals such as arsenic, asbestos, coal products, benzene, naphthalene, etc are also carcinogenic. Other carcinogenic chemicals include formaldehyde, vinyl chloride, etc.
There are also other factors that are carcinogenic. Viruses like Herpes Virus, Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus, etc are carcinogenic viruses. Old wounds, if not cured in time can cause cancer. Different environmental pollutants are also carcinogenic to humans.
So, different carcinogens vary from chemicals, radiation, food as well as other factors. To prevent mankind against cancer, we must identify and avoid different types of carcinogens. This can help make cancer free society a reality.
