Question

When was it discovered that there is a correlation between cancer and the environment?

(a) 1675

(b) 1775

(c) 1875

(d) 1975

I had been asked this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

I'd like to ask this question from Cancer in chapter Cancer of Cell Biology

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

(c) 1875

Explanation:

The connection between cancer and environmental factors, such as carcinogens in the environment, began to be recognized in the late 19th century. One of the earliest observations of this correlation was in 1875 when Sir Percival Pott, a British surgeon, made a notable connection between cancer and environmental exposures. He documented that chimney sweeps had a high incidence of scrotal cancer, likely due to prolonged exposure to soot. This was one of the first links made between cancer and environmental carcinogens.