Pictogram 7: Health Hazard - Understanding Carcinogens & Cancer

Pictogram 7, the Health Hazard pictogram, identifies chemicals that are carcinogens. According to OSHA, "the simple definition of a carcinogen is 'a substance that has the potential to cause cancer.'" OSHA also notes that the terminology often used when describing cancer may be confusing; for this reason, here is a basic breakdown of cancer and cancer terminology:

• Cancer is a type of tumor.
• A tumor is also known as a neoplasm.
• A neoplasm is, in basic terms, an uncontrolled growth of cells.
• Tumors can be benign or malignant.

Benign tumors only grow at the site of origin. They do not spread (the process of spreading is called metastasis) to other tissues or other parts of the body. OSHA states that "except for those that develop deep in vital organs (such as the brain), benign tumors can be successfully treated (usually by surgical removal) and the potential for causing death is low."

Malignant tumors are cancers. They can spread outside of the site of origin, take root in tissues in other parts of the body, or metastasize in organs where they begin to grow cancerous tissues. OSHA states that "malignant tumors (cancer) are difficult to treat and frequently cause death of the patient."

Cancers vary. They can grow throughout the body and behave differently within each patient. Some grow slowly and do not metastasize. Others grow quickly (often referred to as being "highly invasive") and metastasize rapidly.

Note that OSHA, the National Toxicity Program (NTP), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) include on the label the specific types of cancer caused by the chemicals that they list.

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