NATIONAL CENTERFOR CASE STUDYTEACHING INSCIENCE You are worried about sharing yo
ID: 253936 • Letter: N
Question
NATIONAL CENTERFOR CASE STUDYTEACHING INSCIENCE You are worried about sharing your suspicions with Lee and Grace, but for different reasons. Grace, who is still recovering from breast cancer surgery and chemotherapy, seems very fragile as well as distraught that her son has a tumor-like growth. If Lee did, in fact, inherit a faulty gene from her that will predispose him to cancer, you are worried about how Grace will handle the news. She seems at great risk for deep feelings of guilt and serious depression. Lee, on the other hand, is a very upbeat young man with a great sense of humor. He scems mostly concerned about improving his mother's spirits. You would dread being the one to tell him if it turns out that he has a genetic condition that will predispose him to various types of cancers for his entire life. In order to best communicate the pros and cons of genetic testing to them, you review the different types available. You decide to use this reference to understand more: ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/testingExplanation / Answer
The genetic predisposition poses serious threat of cancer to ones life. In the present case, Grace might have passed on faulty genes which might increase the risk of cancer to her son Lee. As a doctor, it is wise decision to convey the risks to Lee so that any precautions or preventive measures can be considered.
I would talk to Lee in calm and relaxed tone about the risks of cancer and how it develops. Then I would talk to him about the genetic testing so that his risk can be assessed. I would explain him that genetic testing is simple and it would help him prevent cancer or atleast be aware of the possible risk. I would also assume him that we have a federal law, that protects the person from genetic descrimination in workplace and by insurance companies. I would also help him figure out how knowing ones genetic background can help him secure the future of his family and also avert the danger of passing faulty genes to next generation.
I would also caution him that if he is found to carry faulty genes he might want to take precautions and preventive measures to delay the cancer. I would also explain him that it is not wise to pass on mutations to next generation.
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