Carcinogens can either be inhaled or absorbed by the skin. They will be absorbed into the blood and tissues. They have the ability to damage the cell's DNA. Researchers know that carcinogens are absorbed into the body due to biomarkers that are present in blood, urine, and breath. Biomarkers are  biological molecules present in body fluids or tissues.

How do carcinogens get into the body?

Genotoxic carcinogens will change the sequence of a cell’s DNA. As we know, DNA is a long chain of repeated molecular units that dictate the growth, function, and development of the cell. DNA sequence changes can lead to problems of uncontrolled growth and later cancer. The non-genotoxic effects of cigarette smoke can also contribute to cancer formation without changing DNA sequencing. changing the sequencing of the DNA. Their mode of transportation can be seen in creating oxidative stress, intercepting hormonal and signal transduction pathways, and epigenetics

What is the difference between genotoxic and non-genotoxic? 

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
,N-nitrosamines
,aldehydes
,volatile organic hydrocarbons and metals



Common Carcinogen Classes in Tobacco

Carcinogens are any substance that will contribute to the formation of cancers. Carcinogens range from naturally occurring compounds to radioactive substances. Carcinogens consist of two categories: Genotoxic compounds and non-genotoxic compounds. 


State University of New York at Stony Brook

Cigarettes contain tobacco. Tobacco contains over 70 carcinogens that damage one's DNA and increases cell division, hence leading to cancer.  These carcinogens also damage brain cells and the airway/lungs. 

Cancer Prevention | How Smoking Causes Lung Cancer

 Hurley, S, Winnall, WR, Greenhalgh, EM & Winstanley, MH. 3.3 Smoking and cancer. In Greenhalgh, EM, Scollo, MM and Winstanley, MH [editors].  Tobacco in Australia: Facts and issues. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2020. Available from  http://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-3-health-effects/3-3-smoking-and-cancer

Smoking and Cancer 

Matthew Tontonoz Friday, D. 7. (2018, December 07). How Do Cigarettes Cause Cancer? Retrieved from https://www.mskcc.org/news/how-do-cigarettes-cause-cancer


Smoking and Cancer Reference

Pfeifer, G. P., Denissenko, M. F., Olivier, M., Tretyakova, N., Hecht, S. S., & Hainaut, P. (2002). Tobacco smoke carcinogens, DNA damage and p53 mutations in smoking-associated cancers. Oncogene, 21(48), 7435–7451. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.onc.1205803

Tobacco Smoke Carcinogens Reference

What are carcinogens? 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US). “How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease: The Biology and Behavioral Basis for Smoking-Attributable Disease.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1970, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK53017/.


Chemistry and Toxicology of Cigarette Smoke

Wong, T.-J., Li, Q., Dodd, V., Wang, W., Bian, J., & Guo, Y. (2021). Oral cancer knowledge and screening behavior among smokers and non-smokers in rural communities. BMC Cancer, 21(1), 430–430. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-021-08198-5

Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer Reference

Oral and Pharyngeal cancers (OPC) form in squamous cells, thin flat cells that line the inner lining of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx.  


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