Anticarcinogen

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Anticarcinogen

Anticarcinogen (pronunciation: an-ti-kar-sin-o-gen) is a substance that counteracts the effects of a carcinogen or inhibits the development of cancer.

Etymology

The term "anticarcinogen" is derived from the Greek words "anti" meaning against, "karkinos" meaning crab or cancer, and "genes" meaning born of, produced by.

Definition

An anticarcinogen is a substance or compound that reduces the likelihood of, or prevents, the formation of cancer in living tissue. This can be achieved by blocking the DNA damage that initiates carcinogenesis, or by arresting or reversing the progression of premalignant cells where such damage has already occurred.

Types of Anticarcinogens

There are three main types of anticarcinogens:

  1. Blocking Anticarcinogens: These are substances that prevent carcinogens from reaching or reacting with critical target sites.
  2. Suppressing Anticarcinogens: These are substances that prevent the evolution of the carcinogenic process in cells that have already been exposed to carcinogens.
  3. Antioxidants: These are substances that neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, which can damage cells and lead to cancer.

Related Terms

  • Carcinogen: A substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue.
  • Oncology: The study of cancer and tumors.
  • Chemoprevention: The use of drugs, vitamins, or other agents to try to reduce the risk, delay the development, or prevent the recurrence of cancer.
  • Antioxidant: A substance that inhibits oxidation, especially one used to counteract the deterioration of stored food products or remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism.

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