A substance known to cause cancer is called?

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 substance known to cause cancer is called?

Explanation:
A carcinogen is any substance that can cause cancer by damaging DNA or promoting abnormal cell growth. This term covers a wide range of agents, including chemicals found in tobacco smoke, certain metals, and some radiation. In the given options, the word that best fits the definition of “a substance known to cause cancer” is carcinogen. Tar is a mixture that contains carcinogens and contributes to cancer risk, but tar itself is not the general term for cancer-causing substances. Smokeless tobacco also carries carcinogens, but again the specific label we want is carcinogen. Leukoplakia is a precancerous lesion, not a cancer-causing substance. So the best answer is carcinogen.

A carcinogen is any substance that can cause cancer by damaging DNA or promoting abnormal cell growth. This term covers a wide range of agents, including chemicals found in tobacco smoke, certain metals, and some radiation. In the given options, the word that best fits the definition of “a substance known to cause cancer” is carcinogen. Tar is a mixture that contains carcinogens and contributes to cancer risk, but tar itself is not the general term for cancer-causing substances. Smokeless tobacco also carries carcinogens, but again the specific label we want is carcinogen. Leukoplakia is a precancerous lesion, not a cancer-causing substance. So the best answer is carcinogen.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy