Question: 1 
Which of the following is a characteristic of triple-negative breast cancer? 
A. Expression of estrogen receptor (ER) 
B. Expression of progesterone receptor (PR) 
C. Lack of expression of ER, PR, and HER2 
D. Expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) 
Answer: C 
Explanation: Triple-negative breast cancer refers to a subtype of breast cancer that does not express the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). This subtype accounts for approximately 10-20% of all breast cancer cases and is often associated with a more aggressive disease course and limited treatment options. 

Question: 2 
Which of the following breast cancer subtypes is characterized by the overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)? 
A. Luminal A 
B. Luminal B 
C. Basal-like 
D. HER2-enriched 
Answer: D 
Explanation: The HER2-enriched subtype of breast cancer is characterized by the overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). It represents approximately 15-20% of all breast cancer cases and is associated with a more aggressive disease course. Targeted therapies, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), can effectively treat HER2-positive breast cancer. 

Question: 3 
Which of the following is a common long-term complication of radiation therapy in breast cancer patients? 
A. Lymphedema 
B. Peripheral neuropathy 
C. Pulmonary fibrosis 
D. Nephrotoxicity 
Answer: A 
Explanation: Lymphedema is a common long-term complication of radiation therapy in breast cancer patients. It refers to the swelling of the arm or chest on the side of the treated breast due to damage to the lymphatic system. Lymphedema can cause discomfort and impair arm function. 

Question: 4 
Which of the following is an established risk factor for the development of breast cancer? 
A. High dietary intake of fruits and vegetables 
B. Regular physical exercise 
C. Breastfeeding 
D. Early menopause 
Answer: D 
Explanation: Early menopause, defined as menopause occurring before the age of 45, is an established risk factor for the development of breast cancer. It is associated with a longer lifetime exposure to estrogen, which can increase the risk of breast cancer. 

Question: 5 
Which imaging modality is considered the gold standard for breast cancer screening in the general population? 
A. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 
B. Ultrasound 
C. Mammography 
D. Positron emission tomography (PET) 
Answer: C 
Explanation: Mammography is the gold standard imaging modality for breast cancer screening in the general population. It is effective in detecting early-stage breast cancer and has been shown to reduce breast cancer-related mortality. 

Question: 6 
Which hormone therapy medication is commonly used in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer? 
A. Trastuzumab 
B. Tamoxifen 
C. Bevacizumab 
D. Pertuzumab 
Answer: B 

Explanation: Tamoxifen is a commonly used hormone therapy medication in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. It acts by blocking the estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells, suppressing their growth and reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. 

Question: 7 
Which of the following is a common side effect of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients? 
A. Weight gain 
B. Hair loss 
C. Hypertension 
D. Bone loss 
Answer: B 
Explanation: Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a common side effect of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells, which include hair follicles, leading to hair loss. It is usually temporary, and hair often regrows after treatment is completed. 

Question: 8 
Which of the following genetic mutations is most commonly associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome? 
A. TP53 
B. BRCA2 
C. BRCA1 
D. PTEN 
Answer: C 
Explanation: The BRCA1 gene mutation is the most commonly identified genetic alteration associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. Individuals with BRCA1 mutations have an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer compared to the general population. 


Question: 9 
Which of the following lymph nodes is typically the first to receive drainage from the breast? 
A. Internal mammary lymph node 
B. Axillary lymph node 
C. Supraclavicular lymph node 
D. Sentinel lymph node 
Answer: D 
Explanation: The sentinel lymph node is typically the first lymph node to receive drainage from the breast. It is the first lymph node along the lymphatic pathway from the primary tumor site and is often the target of sentinel lymph node biopsy to assess for lymph node involvement in breast cancer.