Question

A 34-year-old woman who has no past medical problems nor is currently taking any medications comes into your office because she noticed a tender lump in her left breast starting approximately one month ago. She is worried because she has an aunt who had breast cancer that was BRCA positive, though her mother is BRCA negative. Her periods have been regular since they started at the age of 13 and occur every 32 days. She is currently menstruating. She has three children aged 12, 9, and 4. On exam, her BMI is 32, up from 28 three years ago and her other vital signs are stable. On breast exam, you note a mobile rubbery mass of approximately 1 x 1cm and with regular borders that is tender to palpation. You appreciate no axillary adenopathy. The rest of her physical exam is unremarkable. Of the information provided, which of the following places this patient at increased risk for breast cancer?A. Age
B. Weight
C. Parity history
D. Family history of cancer
E. Age of menarche

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Weight

Explanation:

Acoording to the given information obesity is one of the major risk factor as the BMI of the patient is 32.There are some other risk factors for breast cancer including:

• History of breast cancer in family i-e in a relative specifically first-degree (mother or sister - not second-degree)

• prolonged exposure of estrogen (menarche before age 12, menopause after 45, advanced age at first pregnancy)
• Genetic predisposition (BRCA 1 or 2 mutation)
• Advanced age (As this patient is relatively young, Risk of breast cancer increases with age)
• Female sex
• Enhanced density of breast and some exposures including heavy smoking , some radiation therapy or hormone therapy or some chemical.