Textbook Problem

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Smoking cigarettes has been shown to be associated with the development of lung cancer. However, a direct correlation between how many cigarettes one smokes and the onset of lung cancer does not exist. A heavy smoker may not develop lung cancer, whereas a light smoker may develop the disease. Explain why this may be.

Summary Introduction

To determine: The reason that sometimes a heavy smoker may not develop lung cancer and sometimes light smoker may develop the disease.

Introduction: Cancer can be defined as a group of diseases which involve abnormal growth of cells, and these cells can spread and invade other regions of the body. Several hereditary and environmental factors play a crucial role in the conversion of a normal cell to cancerous cells. Several environmental factors are associated with increasing the risk of developing cancer. These factors include smoking, UV radiations from the sun, and infections caused by viruses.

Explanation of Solution

Tobacco contains carcinogens, which cause mutation in the cells present in the mouth, esophagus, and lungs. The susceptibility of a person for cancer depends on the genetic makeup of a person. Some people inherit low-risk alleles and high-risk alleles for cancer...