Relevance to Human Cancer of N-Nitroso Compounds, Tobacco Smoke and Mycotoxins

The aetiology and prevention of common human cancers are the subjects of reviews and previously unpublished research presented in this volume, arising from a multi-disciplinary symposium held in September 1989 on N-nitroso compounds, tobacco and mycotoxins. Although tobacco smoking and chewing have long been established as risk factors, the possible role of nitroso compounds has inspired extensive research. The 110 papers on these three classes of carcinogenic agents cover epidemiological up-dates, exposures and biological monitoring, exposure prevention and dietary anti-carcinogens, and biological mechanisms and effects, including many studies of these in the People’s Republic of China. The cancer sites causally or putatively associated with these exposures (liver, respiratory and alimentary tracts) are those at highest risk in developed and developing nations; several papers clarify the role of these agents in human cancers and indicate possibilities for prevention.