Q.What is Carcinogen? How can you prevent the occurrence of Cancer?

Carcinogens are cancer-causing agents (physical, chemical or biological) that damage DNA and trigger uncontrolled cell division. Cancer is prevented mainly by avoiding these agents, healthy living, vaccination and early screening.

Carcinogen:

• Any agent that induces cancer by causing mutations or interfering with the normal control of cell division, converting a normal cell into a malignant (cancer) cell. They are grouped as:
  • Physical carcinogens — ionising radiation such as X-rays, gamma rays, and UV rays.
  • Chemical carcinogens — e.g. constituents of tobacco smoke (a major cause of lung and oral cancer), asbestos, certain dyes and industrial chemicals.
  • Biological carcinogens — oncogenic viruses (e.g. HPV → cervical cancer; Hepatitis-B → liver cancer) whose oncogenes transform cells.

Prevention of cancer:

1. Avoid carcinogens — do not use tobacco/gutkha, limit alcohol, and avoid exposure to industrial chemicals and excess radiation (use sunscreen, limit unnecessary X-rays).
2. Healthy lifestyle — a balanced, fibre-rich diet with fruits and vegetables, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.
3. Vaccination — e.g. HPV vaccine against cervical cancer, Hepatitis-B vaccine against liver cancer. …