Chapter: Carcinogenesis.

Abstract

Cancer is a complex disease with multiple causes. Many intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence the development of cancer. Intrinsic or host factors include age, sex, genetics, immune system, metabolism, and hormones. Extrinsic factors are divided in different groups, as physical (different types of non-ionizing and ionizing radiations); chemical (as some mineral or organic substances); and biological (produced by some living organisms, for instance, some plants, virus, bacteria or fungi). Intrinsic and extrinsic factors can interact with one another to influence the development of cancer. In this article, we will discuss all the varied aspects of research that will ultimately lead to the prevention of cancer in man.