A nurse is educating a group of patients about the risk factors associated with skin cancer. Which statement accurately identifies a risk factor for melanoma?
"Having a family history of melanoma increases your risk.".
"Chronic sun exposure is a significant risk factor.".
"Exposure to certain chemicals is the primary cause.".
"Weakened immune system is unrelated to melanoma risk.".
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Having a family history of melanoma increases your risk.
This statement is accurate.
Melanoma has a genetic component, and individuals with a family history of melanoma are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
Mutations in certain genes, such as CDKN2A and CDK4, have been associated with familial melanoma, supporting the role of genetics in melanoma risk.
Choice B rationale:
Chronic sun exposure is a significant risk factor.
This statement is also accurate.
Prolonged and excessive sun exposure, especially without adequate sun protection, is a well-established risk factor for melanoma.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage the DNA in skin cells and increase the likelihood of melanoma development.
Choice C rationale:
Exposure to certain chemicals is the primary cause.
This statement is incorrect.
While exposure to certain chemicals can contribute to the development of various cancers, including skin cancer, they are not the primary cause of melanoma.
UV radiation from the sun and genetic factors play a more significant role in melanoma development.
Choice D rationale:
Weakened immune system is unrelated to melanoma risk.
This statement is inaccurate.
A weakened immune system can indeed increase the risk of melanoma.
Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive medications, have a higher risk of developing melanoma because their immune system may be less effective at detecting and controlling cancerous cells.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Chronic sun exposure is not a risk factor for basal cell carcinoma.
This statement is incorrect.
Chronic sun exposure is a well-established risk factor for basal cell carcinoma (BCC).
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to the development of BCC.
Choice B rationale:
Family history of skin cancer does not increase the risk.
This statement is inaccurate.
A family history of skin cancer, including BCC, can increase an individual's risk of developing the condition.
Genetic factors can play a role in susceptibility to BCC.
Choice C rationale:
History of sunburns is unrelated to basal cell carcinoma risk.
This statement is accurate.
While chronic sun exposure is a risk factor for BCC, a history of sunburns, particularly severe or blistering sunburns, is not directly linked to BCC risk.
However, it is essential to note that sunburns can increase the risk of other types of skin cancer, such as melanoma.
Choice D rationale:
Exposure to certain chemicals is not associated with the condition.
This statement is incorrect.
Exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic and some industrial chemicals, has been associated with an increased risk of basal cell carcinoma.
Chemical exposure can be a contributing factor, but it is not the sole cause of BCC.
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Family history of diabetes." Family history of diabetes is not a known risk factor for skin cancer.
It is important to focus on factors related to skin cancer risk when educating patients.
Choice B rationale:
"Fair skin." Fair skin is a significant risk factor for skin cancer, particularly for non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Fair-skinned individuals have less melanin, which provides less protection against UV radiation.
Choice C rationale:
"History of sun exposure." A history of sun exposure, especially excessive or unprotected sun exposure, is a well-established risk factor for skin cancer.
UV radiation from the sun can damage skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer development.
Choice D rationale:
"Regular exercise." Regular exercise is not a known risk factor for skin cancer.
It is important for overall health but does not directly contribute to the development of skin cancer.
Choice E rationale:
"High cholesterol levels." High cholesterol levels are not a known risk factor for skin cancer.
While cholesterol is a concern for cardiovascular health, it is not associated with skin cancer risk.
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