What is the term for a substance that promotes tumor growth?

The term for a substance that promotes tumor growth is carcinogen. Carcinogens are agents that can cause cancer by altering the cellular metabolism or damaging the genetic material in cells. They may promote tumor development through various mechanisms, such as inducing mutations, promoting uncontrolled cell division, or suppressing the immune response that would typically manage abnormal cell growth.

In the field of oncology and public health, understanding carcinogens is critical, as it allows for the identification of risk factors associated with the development of cancer, thus helping in prevention strategies. Common examples of carcinogens include tobacco smoke, certain chemicals found in industrial processes, and radiation.

The other terms listed refer to different types of harmful agents. A teratogen specifically refers to substances that cause developmental abnormalities in a fetus. A mutagen causes changes or mutations in the DNA sequence of an organism, which may or may not lead directly to cancer. A pathogen is an organism that causes disease but is not specifically related to cancer or tumor promotion. Understanding these distinctions helps in the appropriate classification and study of different agents that affect health.