The hallmarks of cancer have been the focus of much research and have influenced the development of risk
models for radiation-induced cancer. However, natural defenses against cancer, which constitute the hallmarks
of cancer prevention, have largely been neglected in developing cancer risk models. These natural defenses are
enhanced by low doses and dose rates of ionizing radiation, which has aided in the continuation of human life
over many generations. Our natural defenses operate at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and whole-body levels
and include epigenetically regulated (epiregulated) DNA damage repair and antioxidant production, selective
p53-independent apoptosis of aberrant cells (e.g. neoplastically transformed and tumor cells), suppression of
cancer-promoting inflammation, and anticancer immunity (both innate and adaptive components). This publication reviews the scientific bases for the indicated cancer-preventing natural defenses and evaluates their
implication for assessing cancer risk after exposure to low radiation doses and dose rates. Based on the extensive
radiobiological evidence reviewed, it is concluded that the linear-no-threshold (LNT) model (which ignores
natural defenses against cancer), as it relates to cancer risk from ionizing radiation, is highly implausible.
Plausible models include dose-threshold and hormetic models. More research is needed to establish when a given
model (threshold, hormetic, or other) applies to a given low-dose-radiation exposure scenario.
The LNT model for cancer induction is not supported by radiobiological data