Describing a substance or agent that has the ability to cause cancer or increase cancer risk.
From 'carcino-' (cancer) plus '-genic' (producing or causing). This adjective form became standard medical terminology in the mid-20th century as toxicology developed.
Scientists rate carcinogens by how strong they are—some like asbestos are 'Group 1' (definitely causes cancer in humans) while others are just suspected based on animal studies.
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