Which of the following is a long-term effect of radiation exposure during gestation?

During gestation, exposure to radiation can have significant long-term effects on a developing fetus. One of the most profound potential consequences is an increased risk of cancer later in life. This is primarily due to the fact that radiation can cause mutations in the DNA of rapidly dividing cells, such as those found in a developing embryo or fetus.

The impact of radiation during gestation is particularly concerning because the fetal tissues are highly sensitive to radiation damage. If mutations occur, these can lead to oncogenesis, the process of tumor formation, which manifests as an increased likelihood of developing various types of cancer, including leukemia and solid tumors.

The other options, such as inflammation, infection, and psychological issues, can arise from various factors during pregnancy but are not directly linked to radiation exposure in the same way cancer is. While psychological issues may develop as a consequence of various stressors, they do not have the direct biological correlation to radiation exposure that cancer does. Therefore, cancer stands out as a clear and well-documented long-term effect of exposure to radiation during gestation.