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Carcinogen

By Lynne Eldridge MD, About.com

Updated: July 17, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by V.K. Gadi, MD

Definition: Something that can cause cancer. Examples include cancer causing chemicals, viruses, and environmental exposures.
Pronunciation: car-sin-oh-gen
Examples: She may have developed cancer from exposures to all of the carcinogens in cigarette smoke.

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