DNP 810 Week 4 Genetic Counseling GCU
Introduction: As we learn more about genetic issues, it’s crucial for healthcare providers to have thorough discussions about genetics with their patients.
This assignment will help you put your knowledge into practice by creating a client case related to a genetic health issue.
Directions: Write a paper of 1,000-1,250 words that focuses on a client case that could benefit from genetic counseling. Be sure to:
- Describe why the patient needs genetic counseling based on their family health history.
- Discuss how the patient might react to the counseling and how to minimize any negative feelings.
Imagine you are counseling the patient and cover the following topics:
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- Health
- Prevention
- Screening
- Diagnostics
- Prognostics
- Selection of treatment
- Monitoring of treatment effectiveness
General Guidelines
To successfully complete this assignment:
- Review the grading rubric so you understand what is expected.
- Use APA style for your writing, which you can find in the Student Success Center.
- Include at least two scholarly sources on the topic, with citations.
- Submit your assignment to LopesWrite for plagiarism checking.
- Use the Surgeon General’s Family History Tool to guide your work: Family History Tool.
Practice Immersion Hours
This assignment is designed to apply your learning in a real-world setting, earning you practice immersion hours. Make sure to log your hours in Typhon. Typically, this assignment is associated with about 10 hours of practice immersion.
Communication
Effective communication is key. You can reach out to me in several ways:
- Questions to Instructor Forum: For course content questions.
- Individual Forum: For private messages or questions.
Understanding Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling is a patient-centered process that helps people understand the genetic aspects of their health. Genetic counselors assess the risk of hereditary breast cancer and help patients prepare for genetic testing. They explain test results and assist in creating a management plan for any identified genetic conditions (Patch & Middleton, 2018). This paper will explore a patient case that could benefit from genetic counseling.
Reason for Genetic Counseling
A 48-year-old woman is seeking genetic counseling because of her family health history. Her mother had breast cancer and passed away at age 70. Additionally, two relatives on her mother’s side also had breast cancer, one diagnosed at 58 and the other at 60. Her maternal grandmother died from ovarian cancer. Given this genetic family history, the client wants to understand her own risk for hereditary breast cancer and discuss options for genetic testing.
Possible Reactions the Patient May Have to Counseling
When the client learns about her elevated risk of breast cancer, she may feel anxious and scared. This fear can stem from worrying about positive genetic test results, especially since her family has faced these issues. It’s important for the genetic counselor to be sensitive to her emotions and provide patient education in genetic counseling to help her understand the information better. By acknowledging her feelings and providing support, the counselor can help avoid negative reactions.
Health
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women. In its early stages, it often shows no symptoms, which is why regular screenings are essential. Signs to watch for include changes in breast skin, lumps, or unusual discharge (Sauter, 2018). Understanding the health implications of hereditary breast cancer is crucial for the patient.
Breast Cancer Prevention Strategies
To lower the risk of developing breast cancer, lifestyle changes can make a big difference. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. Reducing alcohol intake and quitting smoking are also important steps in cancer risk assessment. For those with a family history of breast cancer, stopping hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can further lower risk.
Screening
Early detection of breast cancer is vital, and mammography is the primary screening tool. It can detect issues before they become noticeable, such as lumps that are too small to feel (Song et al., 2019). Digital mammography is particularly beneficial for women with dense breasts, especially those under 50. Screening is generally recommended for women aged 50-74, but those with an average risk should also consider starting at 40.
Diagnostics
When breast cancer is suspected, diagnostic tests like ultrasound and MRI are often used. Ultrasound can clarify mammogram results by distinguishing between solid masses and cysts (He et al., 2020). MRI provides detailed images, especially useful for women with dense breasts or unclear mammogram results. The diagnosis typically involves examining tissue samples from suspicious areas to check for cancer cells.
Prognostics
The outlook for breast cancer patients varies based on the stage at diagnosis. The five-year survival rate is much higher for localized or regional cancer compared to metastatic cases (Łukasiewicz et al., 2021). Factors like age, race, and the presence of BRCA gene mutations can influence prognosis.
Selection of Treatment
Treatment options for breast cancer can include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The choice depends on various factors, including the type of tumor and the patient’s health. Breast-conserving surgery, often followed by radiation, is a common approach that preserves more of the breast tissue (Łukasiewicz et al., 2021).
Monitoring of Treatment Effectiveness
After treatment, patients need regular follow-ups. Those who have had a total mastectomy still require annual mammograms for the remaining breast due to the ongoing risk of cancer. For those who had partial mastectomies, monitoring the treated breast is also important (Łukasiewicz et al., 2021). Regular mammograms help ensure any new developments are caught early.
Conclusion
Having a family history of breast cancer, especially among close relatives, significantly increases a person’s risk. Regular screening is vital for early detection and effective treatment. Mammography remains the best method for screening, with digital options being advantageous for some patients. Treatment approaches vary but typically include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
References
He, Z., Chen, Z., Tan, M., Elingarami, S., Liu, Y., Li, T., Deng, Y., He, N., Li, S., Fu, J., & Li, W. (2020). A review on methods for diagnosis of breast cancer cells and tissues. Cell proliferation, 53(7), e12822. https://doi.org/10.1111/cpr.12822
Łukasiewicz, S., Czeczelewski, M., Forma, A., Baj, J., Sitarz, R., & Stanisławek, A. (2021). Breast Cancer-Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Classification, Prognostic Markers, and Current Treatment Strategies-An Updated Review. Cancers, 13(17), 4287. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13174287
Patch, C., & Middleton, A. (2018). Genetic counseling in the era of genomic medicine. British medical bulletin, 126(1), 27–36. https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldy008
Sauter, E. R. (2018). Breast Cancer Prevention: Current Approaches and Future Directions. European journal of breast health, 14(2), 64–71. https://doi.org/10.5152/ejbh.2018.3978
Song, S. Y., Park, B., Hong, S., Kim, M. J., Lee, E. H., & Jun, J. K. (2019). Comparison of Digital and Screen-Film Mammography for Breast-Cancer Screening: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of breast cancer, 22(2), 311–325. https://doi.org/10.4048/jbc.2019.22.e24
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