A 42-year-old premenopausal BRCA1-positive woman with newly diagnosed ER-negative/PR-negative/HER2-negative (triple-negative) breast cancer, T2N1M0, is being counselled on risk-reduction options for the contralateral breast. Risk-reducing contralateral mastectomy reduces the risk of contralateral breast cancer by approximately:
- A 30–40%
- B 50–60%
- C 90–95% ✓
- D 100%
Correct answer: C. 90–95%
Explanation
Risk-reducing (prophylactic) mastectomy reduces breast cancer risk by approximately 90–95% (not 100%, because small amounts of breast tissue may remain under the skin flaps). In BRCA1/2 carriers, contralateral risk-reducing mastectomy is a validated option that provides this level of risk reduction. The decision incorporates the patient's age, life expectancy, current disease prognosis, and personal preference. Surveillance with MRI is the alternative in those who decline surgery.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.