Final answer:
The given statement "Substance abuse is the leading cause of death among male adolescents in the United States" is false. Option B. Unintentional injuries, such as car accidents, along with taking one's life, are more common causes. Substance abuse can contribute to these mortality rates but is not the leading cause.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is false. While substance abuse does pose significant health risks and can contribute to morbidity amongst adolescents, it is not the leading cause of death for this group.
Several factors contribute to adolescent mortality, with unintentional injuries, such as those from motor vehicle accidents, being historically predominant.
Other significant causes of death in this demographic include taking one's life. However, substance abuse can be a contributing factor in instances of accidents, violence, and mental health issues that lead to these outcomes.
Cancer is also a leading cause of death in the United States and is associated with behaviors such as smoking tobacco and alcohol use.
While it significantly impacts mortality rates, it does not specifically rank as the leading cause of death among male adolescents.
Hence, the statement is false. Option B.