4: Benign and malignant breast conditions

Question 1

What is the most common cancer affecting women?

Answer 1

Breast cancer

Question 2

What is the most common type of breast cancer?

Answer 2

DCIS

Question 3

What lifestyle factors are protective against breast cancer?

Answer 3

Regular exercise

Healthy body weight

Sensible alcohol intake

Question 4

Which imaging should be used for suspected breast lesions in women aged

a) < 40
b) > 40?

Answer 4

a) USS

b) Mammogram

Most women will end up getting both and they might need an MRI scan in more complicated cancers

Question 5

Which type of diagnostic biopsy is most commonly used for suspected breast cancer?

Answer 5

Core biopsy

Question 6

What are some symptoms of breast cancer?

Answer 6

Breast lump

Nipple changes (e.g inversion)

Discharge (purulent or bloody)

Colour change

Question 7

Pain is a typical symptom of breast cancer - true or false?

Answer 7

False

Rarely painful unless there’s a palpable lump