Which organ is most sensitive to radiation-induced cancer?

The bone marrow is recognized as the organ most sensitive to radiation-induced cancer due to its role in the production of blood cells. The bone marrow contains hematopoietic stem cells that are highly proliferative and sensitive to damage from ionizing radiation. This sensitivity arises because radiation can cause mutations in these rapidly dividing cells, leading to cancer development, such as leukemia. Furthermore, the bone marrow generates various types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, all of which play crucial roles in the body's immune response and overall health.

In contrast, while the brain, liver, and skin are also parts of the body that can suffer from radiation exposure, they are generally less sensitive to radiation-induced transformation compared to the bone marrow. The brain has a lower rate of cell division, which makes it less susceptible to radiation compared to actively dividing tissues. The liver, although it can develop cancer in response to other factors, is also not as sensitive to radiation as the bone marrow. Skin can certainly experience damage from radiation, particularly with regard to burns or carcinogenesis, but the overall risk of radiation-induced malignancies is lower compared to the risks observed in the bone marrow.

Thus, the unique characteristics of the bone marrow—spec