Detecting 7 more carcinogens

American scientists discovered seven more substances that could lead to cancer, bringing the total number of human carcinogens to 248.

Of the 7 new substances included in the cancer list, 5 types of viruses include: Type 1 immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), type 1 T lymphocyte (HTLV-1), Epstein-Barr virus ( EBV), herpes virus (KSHV) and Merkel cell polyoma virus (MCV) . According to a report by the US Department of Health, these five viruses involve 20 cancers such as melanoma, eye cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer and many types of lymphoma.

Of the 7 new substances listed on the cancer list, there are 5 viruses.(Photo: cygnushospitals.com).

"About 12% of cancers in humans are caused by viruses and there is no vaccine available for these 5 viruses , " CNN quoted Linda Birnbaum, director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. "For example, HIV / AIDS attacks the immune system, losing the body's ability to fight cancer. If the immune system weakens, you have a higher risk of cancer."

Trichlorethylene, or TCE, is often used in industry to produce hydrofluorocarbon . TCE decomposes slowly, easily disperses into the air, penetrates through the soil and infects drinking water. In addition, cobalt and cobalt compounds are used to make alloys, military equipment, and batteries are also listed as dangerous.

Exposure to viruses, chemicals or radiation that can cause cancer does not mean you will definitely have cancer."Most people know that tobacco leads to lung cancer, but only 11% of smokers get sick , " Birnbaum said. She explained that the risk of disease depends on the gene, lifestyle, diet and age of exposure to the harmful factor. However, it is undeniable that smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer because smokers are 15-30 times more likely to die of lung cancer than non-smokers.

To limit the harmful effects of these 7 substances, the experts recommend the community to have safe sex, do not share needles, actively discuss with the doctor about methods of health protection and periodic examination. .