Aflatoxins are of significant concern in cancer due to their ability to cause DNA damage and mutations. Chronic exposure to aflatoxins, especially in regions with poor food safety regulations, has been linked to a higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Aflatoxin B1, in particular, forms a reactive metabolite that binds to DNA, leading to mutations in key oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, such as the p53 gene.
