Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

What does the high incidence of lung cancer among Pacific Islanders who began smoking indicate?

1. Unusual for Pacific Islanders who smoke

2. Typical for any population of smokers

3. Inconsistent with the model of tumor progression

4. Insufficiently explained by the existing information

The correct answer is: Typical for any population of smokers

The high incidence of lung cancer among Pacific Islanders who began smoking indicates a trend that is typical for any population of smokers. Smoking is a well-established risk factor for lung cancer, and populations that engage in smoking generally show elevated rates of lung cancer due to the carcinogenic effects of tobacco. This relationship is supported by extensive epidemiological data, which consistently demonstrate that smoking increases the risk of lung cancer across different demographic groups. The fact that Pacific Islanders show a high incidence of lung cancer can be viewed through the lens of this established correlation. It suggests that the biological and environmental factors affecting lung cancer risk in this group follow the same pattern observed in other populations that smoke. This reinforces the public health understanding that smoking cessation is critical in reducing lung cancer risk, regardless of specific population characteristics.