Carcinogens and Carcinogenesis

Research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) has shown that industrialized countries have high cancer rates compared to countries that have little industry. Despite the fact that industrialized countries make up only one-fifth of the world's population, one-half of all the world's cancers are found in people living in these countries. While many people fear the overall increase of chemical and physical carcinogens in the environment, it is especially important to prioritize risk factors of the highest magnitude. For example, smokers should be less concerned about food additives and more concerned about when they will stop smoking. In summary, the listing of carcinogens is important. It provides a yardstick of our knowledge base, it provides guidance in setting research priorities, and it provides an important tool for prevention of cancer.