Question

The rationale for universal screening for breast cancer in adult women is :

1) to detect cancer before it has invaded.
2) to detect cancer in sentinel lymph nodes
3) to detect cancer in premenopausal women
4) to detect cancer in familial cancer syndromes
5) to detect cancer at an early stage.

Answer 1

Universal screening for breast cancer in adult women aims to detect cancer at an early stage, typically using mammograms for women aged 50 and older. MRI supplements mammography to improve detection and reduce false positives. Screening frequency may increase for those with a family history of breast cancer or specific genetic mutations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rationale for universal screening for breast cancer in adult women is primarily to detect cancer at an early stage. Cancer screening's general aim is to identify common cancers in asymptomatic individuals, with prospects such as early detection, treatment, and potentially curing the disease in more people. Specifically, breast cancer screening with mammograms is recommended for women aged 50 and older to catch the disease before it becomes advanced.

As screening can yield false positives leading to unnecessary stress and further invasive testing, it is not without controversy and potential risks. MRI has been used alongside mammograms to improve detection rates and minimize false positives. Ultimately, personal or family history of cancer can guide more frequent screenings, especially for those at risk for inherited cancer syndromes like mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.