Final answer:
The term for a cancer-causing agent is a carcinogen, which includes chemicals, physical agents, or organisms that contribute to cancer development by causing DNA mutations or by affecting cell division.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specific term for a cancer-causing agent is carcinogen. A carcinogen can be a chemical, a physical agent, or even a biological organism that induces cancer by causing mutations in the DNA or by speeding up cell division, which may leave less time for cells to repair DNA damage. While many carcinogens are also mutagens, not all mutagens are carcinogenic.
Some common examples of carcinogens include tobacco smoke, asbestos, certain industrial chemicals, and UV radiation. It's important to note that although carcinogens can increase the risk of cancer, not everyone exposed to a carcinogen will develop the disease, as there are multiple factors at play including genetic predisposition and overall health.