Chemical Agents

Because of the widespread nature of the tobacco habit, control of carcinogenesis by chemical agents provides a major basis for cancer control. The process of carcinogenesis by chemicals is subject to both initiation and promotion steps. These carcinogens have a particular chemistry as aromatic electrophiles - chemically very reactive substances often formed as metabolic products.
* Some have medicinal sources, such as the use of diethylstilbestrol in pregnancy to avert abortion resulting in vaginal cancer in the daughters.
* Others come from habits such as the use of tobacco (oral and lung cancer, and other tumors) or alcohol (head and neck cancers).
* Industrial and occupational exposures are also important:
 

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