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Tumor initiation is the first stage of cancer caused by exposure to mutagens, which alter cell structure and can lead to cancer. Minimizing exposure to carcinogens and a low-carb, low-fat diet may help prevent cancer.
Tumor initiation is the initial process of cellular changes leading to the formation of a tumor and typically refers to cancer. These changes are related to exposure to carcinogens that alter the DNA and other structures of some cells and, once they occur, are not reversible. The tumor initiation process leaves cells vulnerable to future exposures to carcinogens, and these subsequent exposures will typically trigger tumor cell growth.
Many substances are known to act as mutagens, which are substances that interact with cellular deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and can cause changes to cell structure. About 70% of these act as tumor initiators and will initiate the changes in cells that can ultimately lead to the development of cancer. The other 30% don’t trigger the onset of cancer, but drug-metabolizing enzymes in the body can transform a non-carcinogenic mutagenic compound into one that can ultimately cause cancer, with the same effect.
Those mutagens that cause tumor initiation are considered carcinogens as they contribute significantly to the growth of cancer. In many cases, however, the initiators must be followed by a tumor promoter, which is a substance that transforms already damaged cells into tumors. The promoters can be a completely different type of mutagen or they can be the same ones that caused the tumor to start. If a single substance is both an initiator and a promoter, it is referred to as a complete carcinogen, as it can cause cancer without the presence of other substances.
Cancer during the initiation stage is rarely identified, as it will not have caused any tumors or systemic problems by this stage. Once tumors start growing, they can be found, but where it is discovered will vary. It usually depends on the size and location of the tumors, as well as any effects the cancer has caused on the body.
People who are concerned about exposure to mutagens and subsequent cancer initiation can still take some steps to protect themselves. First, minimizing exposure to known carcinogens can prevent the onset and progression of cancer in many cases. The regular use of protective equipment such as respiratory masks, gloves and clothing by people working around such substances can help.
According to a report by the British Colombia Cancer Research Centre, a low-carb diet may also help reduce or prevent the onset of cancer. According to findings published in July 2011, mice that were exposed to the carcinogens but ate a low-carb diet had significantly less tumor growth than those in a control group. It’s important to note that this diet was also relatively low in fat, as research has shown that fat can promote tumor growth.
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