Breast Cancer – HESI Questions and Answers Latest Version Already Passed

Breast Cancer – HESI Questions and Answers Latest Version Already Passed What are the most common risk factors for developing breast cancer? Common risk factors include gender (being female), age, family history of breast cancer, personal history of certain benign breast conditions, exposure to estrogen (e.g., hormone replacement therapy), and genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2). What is the role of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in breast cancer? Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, as these genes are responsible for repairing DNA damage in cells, and mutations can impair this process, leading to cancer development. What are common signs and symptoms of breast cancer? Signs and symptoms of breast cancer include a new lump in the breast, changes in breast shape or size, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, and pain or tenderness in the breast. What is the significance of early detection in breast cancer? Early detection allows for treatment at an earlier, more treatable stage, improving survival rates and decreasing the need for more aggressive treatments like mastectomy. 2 What is the purpose of a mammogram in breast cancer detection? A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast tissue used to detect abnormalities, such as lumps or calcifications, that may indicate breast cancer, even before symptoms appear. What is the difference between ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)? DCIS is a non-invasive type of breast cancer where abnormal cells are confined to the ducts of the breast, whereas IDC has spread beyond the ducts into surrounding breast tissue. What are the treatment options for breast cancer? Treatment options for breast cancer include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, depending on the stage and type of cancer. What is the role of estrogen and progesterone receptors in breast cancer? Breast cancers that are estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) or progesterone receptor-positive (PR+) tend to grow more slowly and may be treated with hormone therapies that block these hormones, which fuel cancer cell growth. 3 What is HER2-positive breast cancer? HER2-positive breast cancer involves an overexpression of the HER2 protein, which promotes cancer cell growth. These cancers are often more aggressive but can be treated with targeted therapies like trastuzumab (Herceptin). What is the significance of lymph node involvement in breast cancer staging? Lymph node involvement indicates that breast cancer has spread beyond the primary tumor site, and its presence is used to help stage the cancer, guide treatment decisions, and predict prognosis. What is the function of radiation therapy in breast cancer treatment? Radiation therapy is used to destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery, reduce the size of a tumor before surgery, or treat metastases to other parts of the body. What is the purpose of chemotherapy in breast cancer treatment? Chemotherapy is used to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells, especially in cases where the cancer has spread beyond the breast, or when there is a high risk of recurrence. 4 How do hormone therapies work in the treatment of breast cancer? Hormone therapies work by blocking hormones like estrogen and progesterone or by lowering their levels in the body, as some types