Chapter 9.3, Problem 6MI

Summary Introduction

To identify:

Four environmental factors that can cause cancer.

Introduction:

Cancer occurs when the normal cell cycle is disrupted and the cell does not respond to control mechanisms. Cancer is uncontrolled growth and division of cells. These unchecked cancer cells can even kill the organism by crowding out normal cells.

Answer to Problem 6MI

1. Asbestos
2. Tobacco
3. X rays
4. Ultraviolet radiation

Explanation of Solution

Various environmental factors can affect the occurrence of cancer cells. Substances and agents that are known to cause cancer are called carcinogens. Exposure to various environmental factors such as asbestos, cadmium, benzene, tobacco, ultraviolet radiation, X- rays can damage the DNA and cause cancer.

Not all cancers can be prevented but avoiding known carcinogen can help reduce the risk of cancer.

1. Asbestos- Asbestos particles damage lungs and cause lung cancer.
2. Tobacco- Smoke from tobacco cigarettes causes lung cancer. Chewing tobacco also causes cancer of mouth and throat.
3. X rays- Excessive exposure to X- ray radiation may damage DNA and cells and cause cancer.
4. Ultraviolet radiation- Exposure to ultraviolet radiation causes skin cancer.