MCAT Behavioral Sciences Question 171: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 171

6. A small town has 1000 residents, including 500 men and 500 women. In this town, 20 of the men have prostate cancer. During a calendar year, 10 more men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Assuming none of the men are cured or die during the year, what is the incidence of prostate cancer in this population during the year?

  • A. 10 ÷ 480
  • B. 10 ÷ 1000
  • C. 20 ÷ 500
  • D. 30 ÷ 1000

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

Incidence is defined as the total number of new cases divided by the at-risk population during a period of time. Here, the period of time is one year. There were 10 new cases in this year, and the at-risk population will be only the males who do not already have prostate cancer; the 20 men already diagnosed and the 500 women should not be included in the at-risk population. Therefore, the incidence in this population is 10 ÷ 480.

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