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Breast cancer screening — USMLE Step 2 CK MCQ

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ModeratePreventive Medicine & BiostatisticsBreast cancer screeningUSMLE Step 2 CK

A 43-year-old African American man comes to the emergency department because of a preventive health visit. History and focused examination are notable for average-risk 45-year-old woman asking about routine cancer screening. Temperature is 98.6°F (37.0°C), blood pressure is 126/78 mmHg, pulse is 84/min, respirations are 16/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. Physical examination confirms the key finding and shows no unrelated abnormality that would better explain the presentation. The patient has no symptoms, no abnormal physical examination findings, and no previous result that would change routine evidence-based screening. Which of the following is the most appropriate screening test?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Biennial screening mammography from age 40 to 74 years

The vignette describes Breast cancer screening, supported by average-risk 45-year-old woman asking about routine cancer screening. Biennial screening mammography from age 40 to 74 years is the single best answer because it matches the diagnostic or management priority in this clinical setting. The other choices are plausible alternatives in related presentations, but they do not best fit the timing, findings, and guideline-directed approach described here.

Reference: USPSTF 2024 Breast Cancer Screening Recommendation