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Multiple Choice
Why is cancer more prevalent in older people?
A
Cancer is caused by viruses, and older people are more susceptible to viral infections.
B
Cancer lies dormant for many years before causing problems.
C
Most cancers are inherited as a recessive allele, so it takes time for the allele to be expressed.
D
Cancer involves changes in gene expression, and it takes many years for gene expression to change.
E
Cancer involves an accumulation of mutations, and older people have had more time to accumulate mutations in their DNA.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that cancer is primarily caused by mutations in the DNA. These mutations can affect genes that control cell growth and division.
Recognize that mutations can accumulate over time due to various factors such as environmental exposure, lifestyle choices, and random errors during cell division.
Consider that older individuals have lived longer, providing more opportunities for mutations to accumulate in their cells.
Learn that the accumulation of mutations can lead to the malfunction of regulatory genes, which may result in uncontrolled cell growth, a hallmark of cancer.
Realize that while other factors like viral infections and inherited genetic predispositions can contribute to cancer risk, the accumulation of mutations over time is a significant reason why cancer is more prevalent in older people.