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Carcinogen - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

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A carcinogen is a substance or agent that increases the risk of developing cancer by causing changes (mutations) in a cell’s DNA. Carcinogens can be chemical (e.g. tobacco smoke), physical (e.g. ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun), or biological (e.g. certain viruses like HPV). These mutations can lead to uncontrolled cell division, forming tumours. Understanding carcinogens is important in GCSE Biology for studying how environmental factors can influence health and how cancer can be prevented.

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Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

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