Which factor is NOT associated with increased cancer risk?

• A. Spicy diet
• B. Family history
• C. Alcohol consumption
• D. Tobacco use

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is understanding what factors have a real link to increasing cancer risk. Family history reflects genetic susceptibility, meaning inherited changes can raise the likelihood of developing certain cancers. Alcohol consumption increases cancer risk because its metabolites can damage DNA and promote tumor development in organs like the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and breast. Tobacco use is a well-established source of many carcinogens that cause various cancers through direct DNA damage and other mechanisms. Spicy diet, on the other hand, does not have a proven, consistent link to higher cancer risk in the way the others do. While extremely hot foods can irritate tissues, there isn’t strong evidence that a typical spicy diet increases cancer risk overall. So the factor not associated with increased cancer risk is a spicy diet.