Which accurately describes the relationship between cancer risk and exposure to mutagens? Cancer risk decreases when a person is exposed to mutagens because the risk of DNA mutation decreases as well. Cancer risk increases when a person is exposed to mutagens because the risk of DNA mutations increases as well. Cancer risk increases when a person is exposed to mutagens because the risk of DNA mutations decreases considerably. Cancer risk decreases when a person is exposed to mutagens because the risk of DNA mutations increases considerably.

The correct answer is that cancer risk increases when a person is exposed to mutagens because the risk of DNA mutations increases as well. Mutagens are agents that cause changes in the DNA sequence, which can lead to the uncontrolled cell growth characteristic of cancer. The more frequently the DNA is altered, the higher the likelihood that the changes will accumulate and eventually result in malignancy. To illustrate this relationship further, consider how certain chemicals in cigarette smoke act as potent mutagens. Studies have shown that smokers have a significantly increased risk of developing various types of cancer, such as lung cancer, precisely because the mutagenic compounds in tobacco can lead to genetic mutations over time. It's a prime example of why avoiding mutagens is crucial for cancer prevention!