Which of the following statements best describes who is at risk for developing cancer?

• A. Cancer only affects people who are exposed to radiation or carcinogenic chemicals.
• B. Only individuals with a family history of cancer are at risk for developing the disease.
• C. Everyone is at some risk for developing cancer, but certain factors such as age, genetics, lifestyle, and environmental exposures can increase that risk.
• D. Young people are not at risk for developing cancer.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the nature of cancer. Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division, which can occur in any individual regardless of age, genetics, or lifestyle.
2. Step 2: Recognize that cancer risk is influenced by multiple factors. These include genetic predisposition (family history), environmental exposures (e.g., radiation, carcinogenic chemicals), lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking, diet, physical activity), and age (as the risk generally increases with age).
3. Step 3: Clarify misconceptions in the provided statements. For example, while exposure to radiation or carcinogenic chemicals can increase cancer risk, it is not the sole cause. Similarly, having a family history of cancer increases risk but does not mean others without such history are immune.
4. Step 4: Emphasize that everyone is at some risk for developing cancer. This is because mutations in DNA, which can lead to cancer, occur naturally during cell division. However, certain factors can elevate this risk significantly.
5. Step 5: Conclude by identifying the correct statement: 'Everyone is at some risk for developing cancer, but certain factors such as age, genetics, lifestyle, and environmental exposures can increase that risk.' This statement is scientifically accurate and reflects the multifactorial nature of cancer risk.