Carcinogens and Cancer
A carcinogen is any natural or man made substance (agent) known to cause or promote cancer. (See Wikipedia web site for more detailed description and links to carcinogen lists.) Carcinogens can be inhaled, absorbed, eaten, drank, injected and etc. Pro-carcinogens (pro meaning before) are not suspected until converted, or metabolized, in the body. Example: nitrates, (not listed as a carcinogen by themselves) from food are digested/processed in the body, and for whatever reasons, converted into nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens.
Co-carcinogens are newer petro chemicals that combine (usually) with other petro chemicals (already in the environment) and rather than making a mixture, combine to produce a third, and generally more toxic carcinogenic/deadly substance.
Contaminants are found in almost everything. The March 2008 Natural Foods Expo in Anaheim, Ca., erupted into threats of lawsuits when numerous natural and/or organic products were found to contain 1,4 dioxane, known in California to cause cancer. (The federal government doesn\'t have a ruling on it yet.).
The consensus is that there will always be carcinogens, as they occur even naturally in nature. The good news is more intense efforts are being made to educate the public, clean up the environment and our bodies. Many in the medical and holistic fields are also looking at more supportive and natural ways to not only protect our bodies, but also to use non-carcinogenic treatments. (See Treatment and Support Treatments for Cancer.)
Author Pam Taylor has over 23 yrs experience in the holistic field as a therapist, instructor (including medical massage and terminology), consultant, and author.