A cancer-causing substance is called what?

Study for the Glencoe Health Exam. Prepare with interactive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and detailed explanations. Get ready for your health exam!

Multiple Choice

A cancer-causing substance is called what?

Explanation:
A cancer-causing substance is called a carcinogen. Carcinogens are agents that can initiate or promote cancer by damaging DNA or pushing cells to grow uncontrollably. They can be chemicals, forms of radiation, or certain infections. For example, tobacco smoke contains several carcinogens, which is why smoking is strongly linked to many cancers. Leukoplakia, by contrast, is a precancerous patch in the mouth, not a substance that causes cancer. Smokeless tobacco is a product that can deliver carcinogens, but it isn’t the term for the cancer-causing agent itself.

A cancer-causing substance is called a carcinogen. Carcinogens are agents that can initiate or promote cancer by damaging DNA or pushing cells to grow uncontrollably. They can be chemicals, forms of radiation, or certain infections. For example, tobacco smoke contains several carcinogens, which is why smoking is strongly linked to many cancers. Leukoplakia, by contrast, is a precancerous patch in the mouth, not a substance that causes cancer. Smokeless tobacco is a product that can deliver carcinogens, but it isn’t the term for the cancer-causing agent itself.

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