CANCER AND THE ENVIRONMENT

0,61

MB

47

stron

4144

ID

National Cancer Institute

2004

rok

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Introduction

1 What causes cancer?

4 The nature of cancer

7 What substances in the environment are known to cause or are likely to cause cancer in humans?

Where are they found?

7 Tobacco

8 Diet/Weight/Physical Inactivity

9 Alcoholic drinks

9 Ultraviolet radiation

9 Viruses and bacteria

10 Ionizing radiation

11 Pesticides

11 Medical drugs

12 Solvents

13 Fibers, fine particles, and dust

13 Dioxins

14 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

14 Metals

16 Diesel exhaust particles

16 Toxins from fungi

17 Vinyl chloride

17 Benzidine

17 What are some ways to reduce the risk of developing cancer or detect cancer at an early stage?

22 How do scientists identify cancer-causing substances?

25 How do scientists decide which substances to test in animals, human laboratory cells, or human

population studies?

26 What factors do scientists consider in determining the risk associated with different cancer-

causing substances?

28 How do public health officials set acceptable exposure levels for environmental chemicals?

29 How have cancer trends changed over the past few years?

33 Where can I go for more information?

38 Glossary

41 Index