American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

What is the most common cause of cancer death in men?

1. Breast cancer

2. Prostate cancer

3. Lung cancer

4. Colon cancer

The correct answer is: Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men due to several factors, including its high prevalence and late diagnosis. The disease often goes undetected until it has reached an advanced stage, making successful treatment more challenging. Risk factors, such as smoking and exposure to certain environmental carcinogens, contribute significantly to its incidence. Although prostate cancer is common among men, it typically has a better prognosis than lung cancer, as many prostate cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage and can often be managed effectively. Colon cancer also represents a noticeable cause of cancer death, but its rates are lower compared to lung cancer when evaluated in the context of mortality. Breast cancer is not applicable as a common cause of death in men, as it primarily affects women. This context underlines why lung cancer stands out as the most common cause of cancer death in men, given the combination of its aggressive nature and substantial risk factors.