During a routine health check-up, a young adult woman asks the nurse about ways to prevent endometrial cancer. Which actions would the nurse most likely include? Select all that apply.

A. Engaging in daily exercise:

Regular physical activity has been associated with a reduced risk of endometrial cancer. Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and may help regulate hormone levels, which can contribute to a lower risk of developing endometrial cancer.

B. Eating a high-fat diet:

Consuming a high-fat diet may increase the risk of endometrial cancer. High-fat diets have been linked to obesity, which in turn is a risk factor for endometrial cancer. Additionally, high-fat diets may alter hormone levels in the body, potentially affecting the development of endometrial cancer.

C. Becoming pregnant:

Pregnancy and childbirth can have a protective effect against endometrial cancer. During pregnancy, hormonal changes and the cessation of menstrual cycles may reduce the exposure of the endometrium to estrogen, potentially decreasing the risk of developing endometrial cancer.

D. Using estrogen contraceptives:

Estrogen-containing contraceptives, such as birth control pills, patches, or hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), have been associated with a higher risk of endometrial cancer, especially if used for extended periods. Estrogen alone, without the balancing effect of progesterone, can stimulate the growth of the endometrium and increase the risk of cancer.

E. Having regular pelvic exams:

Regular pelvic exams, which may include a Pap smear and/or endometrial biopsy, can help detect abnormalities in the endometrium at an early stage. Early detection can lead to timely intervention and treatment, potentially reducing the risk of advanced endometrial cancer.

A. Mammogram

A mammogram is typically the next step in the diagnostic process when a breast lump is detected during a clinical breast examination. Mammography allows for further evaluation of the lump and surrounding breast tissue to determine its characteristics, such as size, shape, and density. It is an important tool for detecting breast abnormalities, including masses and calcifications, which can help in diagnosing breast cancer.

B. Hormone receptor status

While hormone receptor status testing may be part of the diagnostic workup for breast cancer, it is usually not the immediate next step after discovering a breast lump during a clinical examination. Hormone receptor status testing is typically performed after a confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer to guide treatment decisions, such as the use of hormone therapy.

C. Fine-needle aspiration

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) may be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests, such as mammography or ultrasound, to further evaluate a breast lump. However, it is not typically the first step in the diagnostic process, especially if a lump is found during a clinical breast examination. FNA involves using a thin needle to extract cells or fluid from the lump for examination under a microscope to determine if it is benign or malignant.

D. Genetic testing for BRCA

Genetic testing for BRCA mutations is typically not the immediate next step after finding a breast lump during a clinical examination. Genetic testing for BRCA mutations is usually recommended for individuals with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer or those who meet specific criteria based on personal or family history. It is not typically the initial diagnostic step in evaluating a breast lump.