Which of the following statements best describes the hereditary nature of cancer compared to diabetes?

• A. Neither cancer nor diabetes has any hereditary component.
• B. All types of cancer are more strongly inherited than any type of diabetes.
• C. Both cancer and diabetes are always inherited in a simple Mendelian fashion.
• D. Cancer can have hereditary forms, but most cases are due to acquired mutations, while diabetes can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the hereditary nature of cancer. Cancer can have hereditary forms, meaning that certain types of cancer are associated with inherited genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in breast cancer). However, most cases of cancer are caused by acquired mutations that occur during a person's lifetime due to environmental factors, lifestyle, or random errors in DNA replication.
2. Step 2: Understand the hereditary nature of diabetes. Diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes, is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. While there is a genetic predisposition to diabetes, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and obesity play a significant role in its development. Type 1 diabetes also has a genetic component but is primarily an autoimmune condition.
3. Step 3: Compare the hereditary nature of cancer and diabetes. Cancer and diabetes differ in their hereditary patterns. Cancer is not always inherited in a simple Mendelian fashion, and most cases are due to acquired mutations. Diabetes, on the other hand, has a stronger hereditary component but is also significantly influenced by environmental factors.
4. Step 4: Eliminate incorrect statements. The first statement ('Neither cancer nor diabetes has any hereditary component') is incorrect because both conditions can have hereditary components. The second statement ('All types of cancer are more strongly inherited than any type of diabetes') is incorrect because most cancers are due to acquired mutations, not inheritance. The third statement ('Both cancer and diabetes are always inherited in a simple Mendelian fashion') is incorrect because neither condition follows simple Mendelian inheritance patterns.
5. Step 5: Identify the correct statement. The correct answer is: 'Cancer can have hereditary forms, but most cases are due to acquired mutations, while diabetes can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.' This statement accurately reflects the hereditary and environmental influences on both conditions.