Can oxygen be considered carcinogenic?

Why can oxygen be considered carcinogenic?

Brendan, Harry, and Freya’s project was on why can oxygen be considered carcinogenic? The introduction and conclusion from their report is below.

The history of cancer may seem relatively recent; however, the earliest evidence comes from a South African fossil dating from 1.6 –1.8 million years ago. The Edwin Smith papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical text, provides the next description of cancer at around 1600 BC, yet there was little understanding of what cancer is and how it is formed until the early 20th century.

The discovery of oncogenes (genes which can transform a cell into a tumour cell) by Peyton Rous, led to further scientific understanding into the formation of cancer cells.

Our story starts in 1966 with the discovery of the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced through the respiratory chain. Whilst critical to life, the very oxygen we breathe initiates the formation of one of mankind’s biggest killers.

Cancer is a complex and hugely variable disease. Whilst it is known that increased levels of ROS cause genetic damage resulting in the progression of cancer, further scientific research is crucial to understand the individual mechanisms by which ROS induce malignant change within the body. Intriguingly, these very same compounds may yet yield an effective weapon in the fight against cancer, taking advantage of redox imbalance to induce cell apoptosis, proving oxygen to be a double-edged sword. Oxygen is the very breath of life, yet its highly reactive nature damages the very cells depending on it for their survival.

Brendan, Harry and Freya’s written report and oral presentation scored the highest mark by Professor Ward.