kantserogeen

Kanserogeen is a term used to describe any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that promotes carcinogenesis, the formation of cancer. This can be through mutations in the DNA or through other mechanisms. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), classifies substances into different groups based on their carcinogenic potential. Group 1 is for agents carcinogenic to humans, Group 2A for probably carcinogenic to humans, Group 2B for possibly carcinogenic to humans, Group 3 for not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans, and Group 4 for probably not carcinogenic to humans.

Exposure to kanserogeen can occur through various routes, including inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. Common examples of kanserogeen include tobacco smoke, asbestos, certain viruses like the human papillomavirus (HPV), and ionizing radiation such as gamma rays and X-rays. The risk of developing cancer from exposure depends on factors such as the type of kanserogeen, the duration and level of exposure, and individual susceptibility. Public health efforts often focus on reducing exposure to known kanserogeen to prevent cancer. Research into identifying and understanding kanserogeen is an ongoing and critical area of cancer research.