Which of the following is a risk factor for breast cancer?

Which of the following is a risk factor for breast cancer?

• A. age >50, nulliparity, childbirth >30yo, FHx or genetic mutations (BRCA), PMHx of breast CA
• B. Regular exercise and a healthy diet
• C. Early menopause with high parity
• D. No family history and never smoking

Answer: (A)

The main idea is identifying factors that raise the likelihood of developing breast cancer. The best option lists several well-established risk factors: being older than 50, not having had children (nulliparity), having a first child after age 30, carrying inherited genetic mutations such as BRCA1/BRCA2, and a personal history of breast cancer. Each of these factors is known to increase risk: age is a strong overall risk correlate; nulliparity and late first pregnancy extend lifetime estrogen exposure and reduce protective breast tissue changes from pregnancy; BRCA mutations and family history indicate a genetic predisposition; and a prior breast cancer diagnosis raises risk for a new or contralateral tumor. In contrast, regular exercise and a healthy diet are associated with reduced risk, early menopause with high parity tends to lower risk, and no family history with never smoking likewise aligns with lower risk. So the listed combination captures factors that genuinely elevate risk, making it the best answer.

The main idea is identifying factors that raise the likelihood of developing breast cancer. The best option lists several well-established risk factors: being older than 50, not having had children (nulliparity), having a first child after age 30, carrying inherited genetic mutations such as BRCA1/BRCA2, and a personal history of breast cancer. Each of these factors is known to increase risk: age is a strong overall risk correlate; nulliparity and late first pregnancy extend lifetime estrogen exposure and reduce protective breast tissue changes from pregnancy; BRCA mutations and family history indicate a genetic predisposition; and a prior breast cancer diagnosis raises risk for a new or contralateral tumor.

In contrast, regular exercise and a healthy diet are associated with reduced risk, early menopause with high parity tends to lower risk, and no family history with never smoking likewise aligns with lower risk. So the listed combination captures factors that genuinely elevate risk, making it the best answer.