The data below considers the risk of having a cancer in the neck region due to drinking alcoholand one genetic factor (presence of a mutant allele for the CYP1A1 gene). A risk value of 1.0 isthe mean average risk in the human population. Using only the data from the table, which of the following tentative conclusions about the risk of having a cancer of the neck, is not correct?

Answer:

9) D

A – Correct
The table shows that when number of mutant alleles increase from 0 to 1, the risk value also increases from 1.0 to 1.5 in the light drinker category, and from 4.0 to 4.5 in the heavy drinker category.

B – Correct
There is a positive correlation between heavy drinking and light drinking. Risk values are much higher for heavy drinkers than for light drinkers.

C – Correct
Addition of a mutant allele increases the risk factor by 0.5. Heavy drinking increases the risk factor by 3.0.

D – Wrong
Heavy drinking is the main factor for increasing risk as discussed in option C.

E – Wrong
Presence of 2 mutant alleles in light drinkers increases the risk factor by 0.8.
Presence of 2 mutant alleles in heavy drinkers increases the risk factor by 2.0.