Bücher der Reihe Cambridge Monographs on Cancer Research

The book deals briefly with the normal structure, functioning and biochemistry of the esophagus and with the histological and genetic changes accompanying the development of esophageal cancer in humans and animals. Factors implicated in causing esophageal cancer are described in relation to its very dramatic epidemiology. Thus dietary deficiencies and consumption of foods contaminated by Fusaria mycotoxins are discussed in connection with the extremely high incidence of the disease in certain sharply demarcated regions in China and South Africa, and alcohol and tobacco use are discussed in relation to the epidemiology in Europe and USA. Other hazards mentioned include opium in Iran, betel nut in Asia and bracken in Japan. The sole group of chemicals known to be very potent esophageal carcinogens in animal experiments, the nitrosamines, are described especially in terms of the widespread human exposure.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, many of which are potent human carcinogens, occur widely in the environment as a result of incomplete combustion of organic matter. This 1991 volume was the first to review the chemical properties of these carcinogens and to relate their carcinogenic activity to their metabolic by-products within the body.

Originally published in 1992, this volume looks in depth at the carcinogenic properties of N-nitroso compounds. These compounds occur widely in smoked foods and in meat and fish cured with nitrates; they are also formed in some industrial processes and in addition are found in cosmetics, tobacco and tobacco smoke.

First published in 1990. Sulfur containing polycyclic aromatic compounds (thiaarenes) play a potentially important role in environmentally induced cancers. The main sources of these compounds being fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and shale oils from which they are released either directly or via combustion into the environment.

This volume looks in detail at the chemistry and carcinogenicity of the cyclopenta[a]phenanthrenes and covers all aspects of this class of compounds including their chemical syntheses and chemistry, occurrence, physical and spectral properties, metabolism, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity.

First published in 1988, this volume surveys the chemical synthesis and biological activity of the benz[a]anthracenes.

First published in 1992, this volume provides a systematic survey of the dibenzanthracenes and of their chemical, physiochemical and biological properties. This is the first comprehensive account of this important group of environmental pollutants and carcinogens. It will be of interest to all scientists studying carcinogenesis, and the mutagenicity and toxicology of environmental pollutants.

This important new reference book on human cancer provides a global picture of the epidemiology of cancer and its environmental causes. By summarising on a cancer-by-cancer basis geographical, environmental and ethical factors, the volume collates a wealth of information which, taken together, provides valuable insights into the causes of cancer and scope for its elimination and control.