Title

Environmental factors in causing human cancers: emphasis on tumorigenesis

Authors

Authors

U. T. Sankpal; H. Pius; M. Khan; M. I. Shukoor; P. Maliakal; C. M. Lee; M. Abdelrahim; S. F. Connelly;R. Basha

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

Tumor Biol.

Keywords

Environmental factors; Carcinogenesis; Nicotine; Polycyclic aromatic; hydrocarbons; CELL LUNG-CANCER; POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC-HYDROCARBONS; CHLORINATION; BY-PRODUCTS; DRINKING-WATER SOURCE; SOFT-TISSUE SARCOMA; CIGARETTE-SMOKING; PROSTATE-CANCER; BREAST-CANCER; IN-VIVO; OCCUPATIONAL-EXPOSURE; Oncology

Abstract

The environment and dietary factors play an essential role in the etiology of cancer. Environmental component is implicated in similar to 80 % of all cancers; however, the causes for certain cancers are still unknown. The potential players associated with various cancers include chemicals, heavy metals, diet, radiation, and smoking. Lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption, exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, organochlorines), metals and pesticides also pose risk in causing human cancers. Several studies indicated a strong association of lung cancer with the exposure to tobacco products and asbestos. The contribution of excessive sunlight, radiation, occupational exposure (e.g., painting, coal, and certain metals) is also well established in cancer. Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, consumption of an unhealthy diet, and lack of physical activity can act as risk factors for cancer and also impact the prognosis. Even though the environmental disposition is linked to cancer, the level and duration of carcinogen-exposure and associated cellular and biochemical aspects determine the actual risk. Modulations in metabolism and DNA adduct formation are considered central mechanisms in environmental carcinogenesis. This review describes the major environmental contributors in causing cancer with an emphasis on molecular aspects associated with environmental disposition in carcinogenesis.

Journal Title

Tumor Biology

Volume

33

Issue/Number

5

Publication Date

1-1-2012

Document Type

Review

Language

English

First Page

1265

Last Page

1274

WOS Identifier

WOS:000309354600001

ISSN

1010-4283

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