Which explanation best captures the difference between a leading contributor and a leading cause of death?

• A. A leading contributor is chosen randomly by epidemiologists for prevention programs, whereas a leading cause is any condition that appears on more than 1% of certificates irrespective of primary role.
• B. A leading contributor is a modifiable behavior or exposure that increases risk, while a leading cause is the specific disease or condition recorded as the primary reason for death.
• C. A leading contributor is always a non-modifiable genetic factor listed on death certificates, and a leading cause is any social determinant that indirectly affected the person earlier in life.
• D. A leading contributor refers only to infectious agents, while a leading cause refers only to noncommunicable diseases.

Answer: (B)