Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Nursing Practice Test

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Prepare for the Oncology Certified Nurse Exam with our detailed QandA format. Gain confidence with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations to understand concepts deeply. Excel in your OCN certification journey!

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Why are women with breast cancer usually advised against estrogen replacement therapy?

  1. Estrogen replacement therapy has no risk associated with it

  2. Women who have had HRT have three times the recurrence risk

  3. Estrogen replacement is beneficial for all breast cancer patients

  4. HRT may improve overall health status

The correct answer is: Women who have had HRT have three times the recurrence risk

Women with breast cancer are generally advised against estrogen replacement therapy because of the significant concern regarding the potential for increased risk of recurrence. Studies have demonstrated that estrogen can promote the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancers. In particular, those who have undergone hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may experience an elevated recurrence risk, with some research indicating that women who received HRT could have as much as three times the risk of cancer returning compared to those who do not use such therapies. This relationship between estrogen and breast cancer pathology is particularly relevant, as tumors that are estrogen-receptor-positive are driven by this hormone's presence, making it a critical consideration in the management of breast cancer treatment and survivorship. Considering the other options, it is important to note that estrogen replacement therapy is not devoid of associated risks, nor is it universally beneficial for all breast cancer patients. Furthermore, while HRT may provide symptomatic relief, such as alleviating menopausal symptoms, it does not necessarily improve overall health status in the context of managing breast cancer, which remains a priority.