A Co-carcinogen is a chemical that promotes the effects of a carcinogen in the production of cancer. Usually, the term is used to refer to chemicals that are not carcinogenic on their own. A chemical can be co-carcinogenic with other chemicals or with nonchemical carcinogens, such as UV radiation.
For example, sodium arsenite can be administered to mice at a low enough concentration that it does not cause tumors on its own, but it increases the rate of formation and size of tumors formed after UV exposure.[1]
A chemical may both have anti-carcinogenic properties and yet still be a co-carcinogen in combination with some carcinogens. Evidence points to beta carotene being one example of such a compound, which has led researchers to caution against the emphasis on isolated dietary supplements and instead recommend a focus on promoting a diverse diet rich in fruits and vegetables.[2]
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