American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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Prepare for the ABS QE with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question provides hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Start your journey to becoming a certified surgeon and tackle your exam with confidence!

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What is associated with a 40% risk of ovarian cancer in BRCA 1 carriers?

Thyroid cancer
Colon cancer
Ovarian cancer
Lymphoma

The correct answer is: Ovarian cancer

In individuals carrying a BRCA1 mutation, there is a significantly elevated risk for developing certain types of cancer, most notably ovarian and breast cancer. The statistic of a 40% risk of ovarian cancer is well-documented in the medical literature regarding BRCA1 carriers. These mutations impact the body's ability to repair DNA breaks, which can lead to malignancies. Ovarian cancer, in particular, is strongly associated with BRCA1 mutations, with lifetime risk estimates varying, but many studies suggest around a 40% risk by age 70. The other options, while potentially associated with cancer, do not have the same level of association with BRCA1 mutations. For instance, thyroid cancer and lymphoma may have distinct genetic links, but they are not consistently elevated risks in BRCA1 mutation carriers. Similarly, colon cancer has different hereditary syndromes associated with it, such as Lynch syndrome, rather than a direct link to BRCA1. Thus, the focus on ovarian cancer as the primary risk aligns closely with the established understanding of BRCA1 associated cancer risks.