Major risk factor for venous thrombosis:

 Which of the following is a major risk factor for venous thrombosis?

a. Smoking

b. High cholesterol

c. Hypertension

d. Diabetes mellitus

e. Cancer

The correct answer is E. Cancer.

Venous thrombosis, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, occurs at an annual incidence of about 1 per 1000 adults. Rates increase sharply after around age 45 years, and are slightly higher in men than women in older age. Major risk factors for thrombosis, other than age, include exogenous factors such as surgery, hospitalization, immobility, trauma, pregnancy and the puerperium and hormone use, and endogenous factors such as cancer, obesity, and inherited and acquired disorders of hypercoagulation. 

Ref: Cushman M. Epidemiology and risk factors for venous thrombosis. Semin Hematol. 2007;44(2):62-69. doi:10.1053/j.seminhematol.2007.02.004

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