Four patients, all male and in the age range 60-65, visited their family doctor complaining of breathing difficulties. The doctor asked each man a series of questions about his symptoms and lifestyle.Â
Based upon the men's lifestyles and their lists of symptoms, which patient is at the highest risk of lung cancer?
Patient |
Smoker / how many cigarettes? |
Coughing? |
Fatigue? |
Appetite? |
Other |
A. |
Yes - 20 per day since age 18 |
Yes - sometimes with blood |
Every day |
Poor |
Worked with asbestos in his 20s |
B. |
Yes - 5 per day since age 18 |
Yes - frequent |
No |
High |
BMI = 39 |
C. |
No |
Yes - especially at night |
Occasionally |
Normal |
Dry, flaky skin |
D. |
40 years at 20 per day but quit smoking completely 5 years ago |
Yes - persistent colds and coughs |
Occasionally |
Poor |
Chest pains |