Question 1

A 42-year-old woman is diagnosed with breast cancer that has metastasized to her lumbar spine. Which of the following best describes the process of metastasis?

Accepted Answer

Cancer cells invade neighboring tissues, enter blood vessels, and travel to distant sites.

Question 2

Which gene, when mutated, is most commonly associated with hereditary breast cancer and increases the risk for other cancers such as ovarian and prostate cancer?

Accepted Answer

BRCA2

Question 3

What is the primary difference between benign and malignant tumors?

Accepted Answer

Malignant tumors invade neighboring tissues and can metastasize to distant sites.

Question 4

A mutation in the p53 gene can lead to cancer because:

Accepted Answer

It causes cells to divide uncontrollably by preventing apoptosis.

Question 5

Which of the following environmental factors is most strongly correlated with an increased risk of skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight

Question 6

Population studies show that Japanese families who move to the U.S. have a higher incidence of colon cancer and a lower incidence of stomach cancer compared to those living in Japan. What does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

Environmental factors play a significant role in cancer risk.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes a carcinogen?

Accepted Answer

A substance that causes mutations leading to cancer

Question 8

A patient with a BRCA2 mutation has two daughters. What is the implication for her daughters?

Accepted Answer

They have an increased risk of developing breast, ovarian, and other cancers.

Question 9

Which of the following is a common mechanism by which viruses can cause cancer?

Accepted Answer

Viruses insert their genetic material into host DNA, disrupting genes that control cell growth.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why cancer cells can form tumors while normal cells do not?

Accepted Answer

Cancer cells divide uncontrollably due to mutations in genes regulating the cell cycle.

Question 11

A patient is exposed to both tobacco smoke and high levels of alcohol. What is the combined effect on their risk for esophageal cancer?

Accepted Answer

The risk increases synergistically, much more than either factor alone.

Question 12

Which of the following mutations is most likely to result in a nonfunctional protein and contribute to cancer development?

Accepted Answer

A deletion causing a frameshift in the coding sequence

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-life example of a bacterial infection increasing cancer risk?

Accepted Answer

Helicobacter pylori infection increasing the risk of stomach cancer

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of DNA repair genes in cancer prevention?

Accepted Answer

They repair mutations, preventing the accumulation of genetic errors.

Question 15

Which of the following is a practical way to reduce the risk of colon cancer based on population studies?

Accepted Answer

Decreasing daily meat consumption

Question 16

A patient with a family history of BRCA1/2 mutations is considering genetic testing. What is the main benefit of this testing?

Accepted Answer

It can identify increased risk and allow for early surveillance and preventive measures.

Question 17

Which of the following statements about apoptosis is correct?

Accepted Answer

Apoptosis is programmed cell death that removes damaged or unnecessary cells.

Question 18

Which of the following is a multi-step process that leads to the development of cancer?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of multiple mutations in genes controlling cell growth and division

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why not all individuals with a BRCA2 mutation develop cancer?

Accepted Answer

Other genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors influence cancer development.

Question 20

Which of the following is a hallmark of cancer cells compared to normal cells?

Accepted Answer

Cancer cells can evade apoptosis and continue dividing indefinitely.

Cancer: Mechanisms, Risk Factors, and Clinical Case Study

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