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Smoking and Lung Cancer

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Submitted By Gianni1028
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Occupational lung cancer and smoking: a review in the light of current theories of carcinogenesis
ALAN C. CHOVIL, MA, MB, B CHIR MPH, DAB PREy MED

This paper considers modern theories of carcinogenesis as they apply to the induction of lung cancer by tobacco smoking and occupational exposure to carcinogens. Some of the known and postulated factors affecting carcinogenesis are discussed, with particular reference to syncarcinogenesis and thresholds. Factors affecting the intensity of smoking exposure are reviewed, and the generally accepted occupational lung carcinogens are listed. Relative risks for the various carcinogens according to smoking status (where known) are presented. The carcinogens are considered individually, and known or postulated interactions with smoking are discussed. It is concluded that the effects of lung carcinogens can be explained on the basis of current theories that support a rational definition of priorities for the prevention of occupational lung cancer. Cette etude s'interesse aux th6ories modernes de Ia carcinogenese telles qu'elles s'appliquent a l'induction du cancer du poumon par le tabac et par les risques du metier relie aux carcinogenes. Ouelques facteurs connus ou postules relatifs a Ia carcinogenese sont discutes, avec un interAt particulier pour Ia syncarcinogenese et les seuils de tol6rance. Les facteurs qui influencent l'intensite de l'exposition au tabac sont revus et on fait l'inventaire des carcinogenes pulmonaires relies au metier. On presente les risques relatifs (Iorsqu'ils sont connus) des differents carcinogenes chez les fumeurs. Les carcinogenes sont consideres individuellement, et les interactions connues ou postulees avec l'usage du tabac sont discutees. On conclut que les effets des carcinogenes pulmonaires peuvent s'expliquer A partir des th6ories courantes qui soutiennent une d6finition rationnelle des

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