During the past 2 decades, radiation tumorigenesis researchers have focused on cellular and molecular mechanisms. We reviewed some of these research fields, since they may specifically relate to the induction of cancer by ionizing radiation. First, radiation-mediated mutation was discussed. Then the initiating event in radiation carcinogenesis, as well as other genetic events that may be involved, is discussed in terms of the possible role of the activation of genes and the loss of cell-cycle checkpoints.