Which of the following is NOT a multifactorial cancer? a. Breast b. Bowel c. Eczema d. Colon
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: c. Eczema
Explanation (300 words):
Cancers can be classified by their causes, and multifactorial cancers are those that develop due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In this context, it is important to understand what “multifactorial” means. A multifactorial disease is influenced by multiple genes and often affected by lifestyle or environmental exposures, such as smoking, diet, or infections.
Let’s break down the options:
- a. Breast Cancer: This is a classic example of a multifactorial cancer. While some cases are linked to inherited mutations (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes), most breast cancers are influenced by a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental/lifestyle factors such as hormone levels, alcohol consumption, and obesity.
- b. Bowel Cancer: Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is multifactorial. It may result from genetic susceptibility (like mutations in the APC gene in familial adenomatous polyposis) and environmental risks including diet (high in red meat, low in fiber), smoking, and sedentary lifestyle.
- c. Eczema: This is not a cancer at all. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, not a malignancy. It involves immune dysregulation and is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, but it is not classified as a cancer, multifactorial or otherwise. Therefore, it is the correct answer to the question.
- d. Colon Cancer: This is essentially another term for bowel or colorectal cancer and is similarly multifactorial in nature, influenced by both hereditary syndromes (e.g., Lynch syndrome) and lifestyle factors.
Conclusion:
Eczema is not a type of cancer and therefore not a multifactorial cancer, making option c the correct answer.