Reference no: EM132469429

Mr. Smithson is 56 years old and is the son of a uranium miner. He has lived near the mines all of his life. He has recently retired from his job of 35 years in which he worked in a phosphate processing plant. In the production methods, phosphate ore is combined with low-grade uranium, and the mixture is well-documented to emit constant low dose α-radiation. Additionally, Mr. Smithson has smoked a pack and a half of cigarettes every day since he was 16 years old. As he now has a new granddaughter, he questions his risk of developing lung cancer. He is concerned since both his father and uncle died of lung cancer before they reached the age of 60. List at least 3 contributing factors for the patient to develop cancer of the lung. Discuss the progression of events over the course of his lifetime that could lead to lung cancer.