Aflatoxins are potent carcinogens, meaning they can cause cancer. The most significant health risk from aflatoxin exposure is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer. Aflatoxins exert their carcinogenic effects mainly through the formation of DNA adducts, leading to mutations in key genes that control cell division and apoptosis. Chronic exposure to aflatoxins, particularly in conjunction with other risk factors like hepatitis B or C infections, significantly increases the risk of developing liver cancer.
