Final answer:
The incorrect statement about lung cancer is that exposure to pollution is the major cause, while in reality, tobacco smoke accounts for about 85 percent of cases. Lung cancer is so deadly partly because it is often diagnosed late and has a high mortality rate, even though it is not the most common type of cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement B. Exposure to pollution accounts for the majority of lung cancers is NOT correct about lung cancer. While pollution is a contributing factor to lung cancer, the majority of lung cancer cases are caused by tobacco smoke. About 85 percent of lung cancer cases are attributable to cigarette smoking, which contains numerous cancer-causing chemicals. Other significant risk factors include exposure to radon gas, asbestos, secondhand smoke, and having close biological relatives with lung cancer. Lung cancer's lethality is in part due to its late diagnosis; when symptoms prompt medical attention, the cancer often has already spread, making cure unlikely.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death due to several factors. Its late diagnosis typically results in a lower survival rate as compared to other cancers. Moreover, the disease is not only linked to smoking but can be exacerbated when combined with other risk factors such as radon or asbestos exposure. Despite not being the most prevalent form of cancer, lung cancer results in the highest number of deaths due to the aggressive nature of the disease and the vital role of the lungs. Preventable environmental risk factors like smoking, diet, and inactivity contribute significantly to cancer deaths, with tobacco use alone accounting for approximately a quarter of these deaths.