A miner develops cancer of the esophagus. Ten years before, he had been exposed to radiation when he worked for a year in a mine. He had also smoked cigarettes for a number of years, but had quit five years ago. Which statement best describes the miner’s condition?
Answer
A
Tests can determine whether the cancer was caused by exposure at the mine or by compounds in cigarette smoke so that a treatment can be determined.
B
Cancer caused by exposure at the mine would have appeared while he was at the mine, so smoking is the more likely cause.
C
The cancer is likely the result of natural exposure to radiation in the environment and not related to either the mine or smoking.
D
It is unlikely that a specific cause can be determined, but the treatment would likely be the same in either case.