JAAPA CME Post-Test June 2025
Breast Cancer Screening for Patients at Higher-Than-Average Risk
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women, excluding skin cancer. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths and premature deaths in the United States. Given the latest data on breast cancer prevalence, most clinical practice guidelines recommend yearly screening with mammography for women age 40 years and older. However, some women’s lifetime risk of breast cancer may be higher than average, requiring additional testing and more intensive screening. Currently, no standard approach to office-based
risk assessment has been established in the United States. A woman’s unidentified heightened risk can lead to missed opportunities and insufficient screening recommendations. Breast cancer risk assessment is thus critical for identifying women who are at higher-than-average risk for breast cancer and in need of a modified screening plan. This activity aims to guide clinicians through assessing a woman’s lifetime risk of breast cancer, identifying women at higher-than-average risk, determining which women need to be referred for genetic testing, and managing screening and counseling for patients with nonhereditary higher-than-average risk.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:- Identify patients who should be referred for genetic testing
- Understand factors that contribute to a woman’s lifetime risk
- Evaluate a woman’s lifetime risk using the Gail and Tyrer-Cuzick models
- Outline appropriate screening protocols and provide counseling and risk-reduction strategies for patients at high lifetime risk
Evaluating Lymphadenopathy
Lymphadenopathy (LAD), characterized by abnormal enlargement of lymph nodes, is frequently encountered in clinical practice. Despite its prevalence, the condition’s evaluation and management pose significant challenges due to its diverse etiologies, which range from benign conditions to serious malignancies. This activity provides a comprehensive overview of LAD, including its etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic evaluation to aid providers, particularly physician associates (PAs), in care of these patients. Through detailed discussions and practical guidance, the activity equips PAs with the necessary tools to effectively navigate the complexities of LAD.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:- Identify and describe the various infectious, autoimmune, and malignant causes of LAD, including their epidemiology and pathophysiology
- Recognize the clinical manifestations of LAD and the importance of collecting a thorough history, performing an in-depth physical examination, and ordering and interpreting key diagnostic tests to differentiate between benign and malignant causes
- Apply a systematic approach to the evaluation of LAD using evidence-based algorithms and guidelines
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