Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is true about the relationship between radiation and cancer?
A
Radiation exposure always causes cancer immediately after contact.
B
Radiation is only used to treat cancer and never contributes to its development.
C
All types of radiation are completely harmless to living organisms.
D
Exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of radiation: Radiation refers to the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or particles. It can be classified into non-ionizing radiation (e.g., radio waves, microwaves) and ionizing radiation (e.g., X-rays, gamma rays). Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms, potentially causing damage to biological tissues.
Learn how ionizing radiation affects cells: Ionizing radiation can damage DNA within cells. If the damage is not repaired properly, it can lead to mutations, which may disrupt normal cell function and potentially lead to cancer.
Recognize the relationship between radiation exposure and cancer risk: Exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation increases the risk of developing cancer. This is because the DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation can accumulate over time, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation.
Understand that radiation exposure does not always cause immediate effects: Cancer development due to radiation exposure often occurs years or even decades after the initial exposure, as it takes time for mutations to accumulate and for cancerous cells to proliferate.
Clarify the dual role of radiation in medicine: While ionizing radiation can contribute to cancer development, it is also used in medical treatments, such as radiation therapy, to target and destroy cancer cells. This demonstrates that radiation can have both harmful and beneficial effects depending on its application and dosage.