Cancer Causing Agents That Transform Normal Cells Into Cancer Cells
Cancer causing agents that transform normal cells into cancer cells are chemicals or substances that are believed to promote the formation of tumors. Although most cancers are caused by genetic changes, researchers have discovered that there are a number of other factors that may also act to turn normal cells into cancer cells.
The human body has many mechanisms designed to prevent cancer. However, the development of cancer is often the result of a build-up of certain risk factors. These risk factors can include smoking tobacco, air pollution, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity. Despite these risk factors, you can reduce your chances of developing cancer by avoiding the exposure to these and other potentially carcinogenic substances.
As you age, your body's ability to eliminate harmful DNA becomes less effective. Some cellular repair mechanisms also become less effective, resulting in chronic inflammation. This inflammation can lead to a condition that encourages proliferation of cells.
When these cells begin to multiply uncontrollably, they break through tissue boundaries and invade other tissues. Their growth and proliferation can shut down vital organ systems. In addition, their ability to divide quickly can lead to the formation of new tumors in other organs.
Many of these tumors are also surrounded by a variety of immune cells. They are also surrounded by blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen. Because of their increased proliferation, they are able to evade destruction by the immune system.
Another type of chemical alterations occurs through epigenetics. Genetic mutations in certain genes are believed to alter the distribution of the epigenetic mark called methylated adenine. The presence of methylated adenine in leukemia proteins disrupts their stability.
