carcinogen

Any cancer-producing substance or organism, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or agents such as in certain types of irradiation. [carcino- + G, -gen, producing]

- complete c. a chemical c. that is able to induce cancer without provocation by a tumor-promoting agent introduced during therapy.

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car·cin·o·gen kär-'sin-ə-jən, 'kärs-ən-ə-.jen n a substance or agent causing cancer

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n.

any substance that, when exposed to living tissue, may cause the production of cancer. Known carcinogens include ionizing radiation and many chemicals, e.g. those found in cigarette smoke and those produced in certain industries. They cause damage to the DNA of cells that may persist if the cell divides before the damage is repaired. Damaged cells may subsequently develop into a cancer (see carcinogenesis). An inherent susceptibility to cancer may be necessary for a carcinogen to promote the development of cancer. See also oncogenic.

• carcinogenic adj.

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car·cin·o·gen (kahr-sinґə-jen) any cancer-producing substance; often a distinction is made between epigenetic and genotoxic carcinogens.