A 35-year-old pregnant woman is at high risk of which malignancy?

Appeared in: PGIMER Nursing Officer - 2025

Explanation

Breast cancer risk is increased by hormonal changes during and after pregnancy, especially in women of advanced maternal age.
Pregnancy is generally protective against ovarian and uterine cancers, but not breast cancer.
Cervical cancer risk is primarily linked to HPV infection, not pregnancy.
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy associated with pregnancy in women over 30.

Option B: Ovarian cancer risk is more closely linked to family history, BRCA mutations, and nulliparity (never having given birth). Pregnancy and multiparity are generally protective against ovarian cancer.
Option C: Cervical cancer is primarily associated with persistent high-risk HPV infection, early sexual activity, and multiple sexual partners. Pregnancy at age 35 does not increase cervical cancer risk.
Option D: Uterine (endometrial) cancer risk is increased by unopposed estrogen exposure, obesity, and nulliparity. Pregnancy is protective due to progesterone exposure and regular shedding of the endometrial lining.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Malignancy risk associated with pregnancy at age 35 as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses should educate women about breast self-examination and the importance of regular screening, especially in women of advanced maternal age.
Pregnancy after age 30 is associated with a transient increase in breast cancer risk, so vigilance is needed in postpartum follow-up.
What if? If the woman was nulliparous (never pregnant), her risk for ovarian and uterine cancer would be higher, but pregnancy itself is not a risk factor for these cancers.

How to Approach the Question

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 751-753

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 3 p. 71-73

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