Understanding Breast Cancer: Risks, Genetics, and Management

Breast cancer is believed to be linked to exposure to unopposed endogenous estrogen and mutations in BRCA genes, rather than factors like sugar consumption, bra-wearing habits, or exercise levels.

The incorrect answers provided do not have a proven correlation with increased risk of breast cancer as opposed to the correct answers provided.

Breast cancers that are genetic only account for a small percentage of cases, with the correct percentage being between 5-10%.

Women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations have a significantly higher lifetime risk of developing breast cancer compared to the general population.

Women with BRCA 1 mutation have a higher lifetime risk of ovarian cancer compared to those with BRCA 2 mutation. The correct percentages for the lifetime risk of ovarian cancer in women with BRCA 1 and 2 mutations are 40-50% and 15-20% respectively.

Breast masses discovered by women who perform self exams at monthly intervals typically have an average diameter of 2 cm. This size is important to note as larger masses may indicate a more advanced stage of cancer and smaller masses may be harder to detect through self exams.

The correct answer is 25%. This means that 25% of women with risk factors develop cancer, not half or three-quarters as suggested by the incorrect answers. It is important for individuals to be aware of this statistic and take necessary precautions.

The correct answer highlights that the risk of developing breast cancer without any risk factors is 1 in 17, which is equal to the risk of lung cancer in a woman who smokes. The incorrect answers offer varying probabilities, but only the correct answer provides the specific comparison to lung cancer risk in a woman who smokes.

Prophylactic bilateral oophorectomy and mastectomy have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in high-risk individuals, while the other incorrect answers do not have the same level of impact on risk reduction.

The established methods of detection for breast cancer include self-examination of the breasts, periodic examination by physicians, and mammography. MRI scans, blood tests, and urine analysis are not primary methods for breast cancer detection.

The correct answer describes the specific kinetics of breast tissue growth in terms of volume and diameter. The incorrect answers provided have varying inaccuracies in relation to the growth rates of breast tissue, highlighting the importance of understanding the correct kinetics for accurate information.

Breast cancer typically grows at a steady rate, reaching specific sizes within certain time frames. The correct answer explains the growth rate from 1 cm to 2 cm, providing a timeline of 6 to 8 years for the first 1 cm and less than another year for the second 1 cm. The incorrect answers provide alternative timelines or growth rates to test understanding of the topic.

When a patient is sitting, it allows the physician to best palpate and detect axillary masses as compared to other positions like lying down, standing, or prone.

Skin retraction and nipple retraction are common symptoms of breast cancer. Peu d'orange refers to the dimpling or puckering of the skin that resembles the skin of an orange and is also seen in some cases of breast cancer.

The 5-year survival rate for women with localized breast cancer and negative axillary nodes is 85%. This means that 85% of women with this specific condition are expected to survive for at least 5 years after diagnosis.

The correct answer of 53% represents the 5-year survival rate for women with breast cancer localized to the breast with positive axillary nodes. This rate indicates the percentage of women within this specific category who are likely to survive for at least 5 years post-diagnosis.

Breast carcinoma must develop neovascularization to grow beyond 1-2 mm in diameter. Neovascularization provides the breast carcinoma the capability of metastasizing via the vascular system.

Breast cancers tend to grow relatively slowly. It takes approximately 3 years for an average breast cancer to grow from 1mm to 1 cm. This gradual growth rate allows for early detection and treatment options.

As women age, the composition of their breasts changes, with fatty tissue becoming the predominant component.

In younger women, the composition of breasts primarily consists of fibroglandular tissue, which includes glandular tissue responsible for milk production and fibrous tissue providing support.

The correct answers detail the key aspects of the HIP study and the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project (BCDDP) that demonstrated the effectiveness of mammography in reducing breast cancer mortality rates. The incorrect answers provide plausible but inaccurate information to test the knowledge of the individual answering the question.

Age and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are known factors that can affect the effectiveness of screening with mammogram. Diet, exercise, and hair color do not have a significant impact on mammogram results.

During a screening mammogram, the two standard views taken are the mediolateral oblique (MLO) and the craniocaudal (CC) views. The MLO view is typically the most effective single view because it includes the largest amount of breast tissue, providing a more thorough examination.

Firm breast compression during mammography is essential for preventing motion artifact and improving image quality by reducing blur and separating overlapping tissues. It is not done to enhance comfort, amplify sound waves, or increase breast size.

Isolated clusters of tiny calcifications are indicative of early carcinoma on a mammogram. Increased breast density, smooth round masses, and non-specific breast pain are not specific signs of early carcinoma and may be related to other conditions.

A cluster of calcifications is specifically defined as having five or more calcifications within a volume of 1 cm3, different from the incorrect answers provided.

The current recommendations for detecting breast cancer involve a combination of clinical breast exams and mammography at specific intervals based on age, with a shift away from routine breast self-exams as a standalone method for detection.

The BI-RAD classification system is specifically designed to categorize the likelihood of breast cancer based on imaging findings such as mammograms.

Ultrasound should not be used as the primary method for detecting breast lesions in all women or as an alternative to mammograms in women with fatty breast tissue. It is specifically recommended for women with very dense breast tissue where mammograms may not be as effective.