Environmental Carcinogens

Environmental carcinogens represent a crucial intersection of genetics, public health, and toxicology for Zambian tertiary students. This topic examines the various physical, chemical, and biological agents in our environment that can damage DNA and initiate or promote cancer. Students will study examples such as ultraviolet radiation, ionizing radiation, tobacco smoke, aflatoxins, asbestos, and oncogenic viruses (HPV, EBV, Hepatitis B). The mechanisms of action—including direct DNA damage, generation of reactive oxygen species, and chronic inflammation—are explored. This knowledge is highly relevant to Zambia's context, where occupational, dietary, and infectious exposures contribute to cancer risk. Aligned with university programs in public health, biomedical sciences, and environmental health, this topic prepares learners for examinations and for roles in cancer prevention, health education, and policy development aimed at reducing the burden of environmentally linked cancers in Zambia.