Biologic sex affects radiation sensitivity. Which statement is true?

• A. Males are more radiosensitive
• B. Males and females are equally radiosensitive
• C. Females are less radiosensitive
• D. Females are more radiosensitive

Answer: (D)

Biologic sex influences how tissues respond to ionizing radiation because of differences in tissue composition, hormonal environment, and DNA repair processes. In females, certain tissues—particularly breast tissue and reproductive organs—have high radiosensitivity due to rapid cell turnover and the way hormones can affect cellular responses to DNA damage. The general pattern is that, for similar doses, these female tissues are more prone to radiation-induced effects, which is why the statement that females are more radiosensitive is considered true. It’s important to remember that radiosensitivity varies by tissue and that not every tissue behaves the same; some tissues may show smaller or different differences between sexes, but the overall trend supports higher sensitivity in females for many clinically relevant tissues.