Carcinogenic substances are substances that can cause the growth of cancer cells. There are many cancer-causing substances, and we may often be exposed to these substances without us knowing it. So, what are carcinogenic substances?
The term cancer refers to a disease characterized by the growth of malignant cells in certain organs or tissues of the body. In contrast to healthy cells that can stop dividing when needed, malignant cell growth is difficult to control and over time can destroy healthy body tissue around it.
Cancer or malignant tumors can grow in any part of the body, from certain organs, muscle tissue, skin, to bones, including the spine.
Until now, the exact cause of cancer is still not known with certainty. However, various studies show that long-term exposure to carcinogenic substances is one of the factors that can increase a person's risk of developing this condition.
Several Types of Carcinogens
The human body can be exposed to carcinogenic substances anytime and anywhere, for example during activities at home, school, office, or when consuming certain foods and beverages.
International Agency for Research on Cancer (International Agency for Research on Cancer/IARC) as part of the WHO classifies carcinogenic substances into several groups, namely:
- Group 1: Carcinogenic to humans.
- Group 2A: Most likely carcinogenic to humans.
- Group 2B: Suspected potentially carcinogenic to humans.
- Group 3: Not carcinogenic to humans.
The Most Common Source of Carcinogens
There are several sources of carcinogenic substances that are often found around us, namely:
Cigarettes and cigarette smoke
Tobacco cigarettes and their smoke contain about 70 substances that are thought to trigger cancer, including nicotine, carbon monoxide, ammonia, arsenic, benzene, lead, to hydrogen cyanide. This is what makes smokers, both active smokers and passive smokers, at high risk of developing cancer.
In addition to triggering the growth of cancer cells, the habit of frequently inhaling cigarette smoke can also increase a person's risk for developing other serious health problems, such as COPD, heart attacks, and diabetes.
Certain foods or drinks
Carcinogenic substances can also enter the body through the food or drinks consumed. Some of the content of foods or beverages that are suspected to be carcinogenic are:
- Additives (additives) in food or beverages, such as saccharin and aspartame.
- Foodstuffs that are contaminated or contaminated with pesticides, industrial waste, or heavy metals.
- Preservatives or food coloring, such as nitrates, borax, and formalin.
In addition to food ingredients, food processing methods can also produce carcinogenic substances, such as cooking food by burning or frying it until it turns black. This process will cause the formation of chemical substances acrylamide in food, which is one of the carcinogenic substances.
Ingredient cosmetics
Some cosmetic products have ingredients that are carcinogenic, but the content is very small. However, the risk for the emergence of cancer remains, especially if the body is exposed to these materials in the long term.
Some of the dangerous ingredients in cosmetics that need to be watched out for because of the risk of causing cancer cell growth include formaldehyde, parabens, mercury, and phthalates.
In addition to increasing the risk of getting cancer, the use of cosmetics that contain harmful ingredients can also cause other dangers, such as contact dermatitis, hormonal disorders, to congenital diseases in the fetus.
To prevent exposure to carcinogenic substances from cosmetics, you should use cosmetics that are sold legally and registered with the BPOM, and have passed dermatological tests.
Exposure to carcinogenic substances may be difficult to completely avoid. However, you can minimize it in several ways, for example using personal protective equipment while working, using a mask when exposed to pollution, including soil pollution, live a healthy diet, and quit smoking.
In addition, you can also periodically check with your doctor if you are frequently or at risk of being exposed to carcinogenic substances, for example due to work. This examination aims to detect cancer early, so that it can be treated immediately.