Word parts
What it means
Carcinogens damage the DNA in cells so that they grow out of control. Some cause cancer only after years of exposure. Avoiding known carcinogens, such as by not smoking and using sun protection, is one of the main ways to prevent cancer.
For the nurse
Ask about smoking, work exposures and sun habits, and teach ways to lower exposure. Some cancer drugs are themselves hazardous, so wear the protective equipment your facility requires when handling them.
At a glance
| Spanish | carcinógeno |
|---|---|
| Also written | carcinogens, carcinogenic |
Related terms
antineoplastic
A drug used to treat cancer by killing cancer cells or stopping them from growing and dividing.
onc/o
A word part that means tumor or mass.
tumor
An abnormal mass of tissue formed when cells grow and divide more than they should.