Title

Environmental Factors In Causing Human Cancers: Emphasis On Tumorigenesis

Keywords

Carcinogenesis; Environmental factors; Nicotine; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract

The environment and dietary factors play an essential role in the etiology of cancer. Environmental component is implicated in ~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. © 2012 International Society of Oncology and BioMarkers (ISOBM).

Publication Date

10-1-2012

Publication Title

Tumor Biology

Volume

33

Issue

5

Number of Pages

1265-1274

Document Type

Review

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1007/s13277-012-0413-4

Socpus ID

84868145919 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84868145919

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