CBC Breast Cancer Treatment & Survivorship Support

Question 1

Which surgical procedure removes only the tumor and a margin of surrounding tissue while preserving the rest of the breast?

Accepted Answer

Lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery)

Answer

Lumpectomy, also called breast-conserving surgery, removes only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding normal tissue while preserving most of the breast.

Question 2

During a sentinel lymph node biopsy, which lymph node is removed and examined first?

Accepted Answer

The first lymph node(s) to receive drainage from the tumor

Answer

The sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node to receive lymphatic drainage from the tumor, and its status predicts whether cancer has spread to other nodes.

Question 3

Which of the following is a common indication for adjuvant radiation therapy after lumpectomy?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the risk of local recurrence in the remaining breast tissue

Answer

Radiation therapy following lumpectomy is standard practice to reduce the risk of local recurrence in the remaining breast tissue.

Question 4

Which hormone receptor status makes a breast cancer patient eligible for endocrine (hormone) therapy?

Accepted Answer

Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive

Answer

Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancers are driven by estrogen and respond to endocrine therapies such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors.

Question 5

What does a 'HER2-positive' breast cancer status indicate regarding treatment?

Accepted Answer

Targeted therapies such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) may be effective

Answer

HER2-positive breast cancers overexpress the HER2 protein, making them eligible for HER2-targeted therapies such as trastuzumab (Herceptin).

(CBC) Certified Breast Counselor Practice Test

(CBC) Certified Breast Counselor Practice Test

CBC Breast Cancer Treatment & Survivorship Support