Elisa has just been informed that she has stage II breast cancer. The physician has explained what this means, but Elisa is upset and confused. She asks you if her cancer is serious. Which of the following is your best response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best response is to acknowledge that all cancers are potentially serious, but reassuring Elisa that her cancer has not spread beyond the breast. This response acknowledges Elisa's concerns while providing accurate information about the stage of her cancer. Answer A is incorrect because even stage I breast cancer is considered serious and can be life-threatening, and stage IV breast cancer is considered advanced and harder to treat. Answer B is also incorrect because while many cases of breast cancer are treatable, there is no guarantee of a cure or complete remission. Answer D is technically accurate, but may not provide enough information for Elisa to fully understand the seriousness of her diagnosis. Answer E is incorrect because stage II breast cancer has not spread to other organs.

Elisa Has Just Been Informed That She Has Stage II