A 50-year-old patient asks the nurse about her risk of developing a cancer of the reproductive system. What is the appropriate response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and cigarette smoking are major risk factors for cervical cancer.
Step 2: The patient is 50 years old, which puts her at risk for cervical cancer.
Step 3: HPV infection and smoking increase the risk of cervical cancer.
Step 4: Therefore, the appropriate response by the nurse is A.
Summary:
B: Endometrial cancer risk factors include obesity, not age 40, and infertility is not a primary risk factor.
C: Ovarian cancer can occur in women under 50 and family history of breast cancer is not a definitive protective factor.
D: Menstrual irregularities do not necessarily lower the risk of reproductive system cancers.