Breast cancer risk factor includes, except?

Appeared in: NORCET 5 Prelims - Sept 2023 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The question asks to identify the option that is NOT a risk factor for breast cancer.
Breast cancer is rare in women under the age of 35, and the incidence increases rapidly with age.
Therefore, being a 'Younger woman' is associated with a lower risk, not a risk factor itself.
The other three options are all well-established risk factors for developing breast cancer.

Option A: This is incorrect because increasing age is one of the most significant non-modifiable risk factors for breast cancer. The incidence rises sharply after the age of 50.
Option B: This is incorrect because high consumption of alcohol is a known modifiable risk factor. Studies show a direct link between alcohol intake and an increased risk of breast cancer.
Option C: This is incorrect because a positive family history, especially having a first-degree relative with breast cancer, significantly increases an individual's risk.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Risk Factors for Breast Cancer as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in educating patients about breast cancer risk factors and promoting early detection.
This includes teaching about modifiable risk factors such as limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular physical activity.
It is also vital for nurses to assess a patient's family history to identify those at high risk who may need earlier or more frequent screening (e.g., mammograms, MRIs).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question. The key term here is 'except'. This means you are looking for the option that is NOT a risk factor.
Read all the options provided: Older women, High consumption of alcohol, Family history, Younger women.
Evaluate each option based on your knowledge of breast cancer etiology.
Recall that increasing age, alcohol use, and family history are all documented risk factors.
This process of elimination leaves 'Younger women' as the outlier.
Confirm your answer: The risk of breast cancer is significantly lower in younger women and increases with age. Therefore, 'Younger women' is the correct answer as it is not a risk factor.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
Stem keywords: Breast cancer, risk factor
Lead-in keywords: except
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the exception among the given options.

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Practise the full NORCET 5 Prelims - Sept 2023 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.