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.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that cancer is fundamentally a genetic disease caused by mutations in the DNA. These mutations can affect genes that control cell growth and division.
2. Recognize that mutations can occur due to various factors, including environmental influences, lifestyle choices, and random errors during cell division.
3. Consider that as people age, their cells have undergone more divisions, increasing the likelihood of accumulating mutations over time.
4. Acknowledge that the body's mechanisms for repairing DNA damage and controlling cell growth may become less effective with age, further contributing to the accumulation of mutations.
5. Conclude that the accumulation of mutations over a lifetime increases the risk of cancer, making it more prevalent in older individuals.