BIO FPX 1000 Assessment 6 Patient Case Study Profiles

BIO FPX 1000 Human Biology

Prof. Name

October, 2024

Patient Profile-Cancer Susceptibility in Women 

Cancer susceptibility in women is due to genetic, hormonal, lifestyle, and environmental factors  (Obeagu & Obeagu, 2024). Genetic mutations, such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that can increase the risk significantly of developing breast and ovarian cancers, are inherited in some women. Hormonal influence, such as longer estrogen exposure due to the earlier onset of menstruation, later onset of menopause, or hormone replacement therapy, also increases the risks. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, and physical inactivity, also increase general susceptibility. Environmental exposures to radiation and certain chemicals further contribute to the risk of cancer. These susceptibility factors may be identified and understood; with targeted prevention strategies and early intervention, cancer incidence may be lowered, and outcomes improved in women.

Breast Cancer Risks Associated with Sarah Thompson

Sarah Thompson’s risk of developing breast cancer is indeed highly influenced by her genetic background, history of hormones, and family history of medical conditions (Filippo Pesapane et al., 2023). Testing has shown that she has a BRCA1 gene mutation, which has been proven to carry a highly elevated risk of breast cancer, so this makes genetic predisposition the greatest risk factor for her. The other risk factor for Sarah is long exposure to estrogen. Sarah started menstruation at age 11. Thus, she is exposed to a known risk factor for breast cancer. Her family history is also significant since her mother suffered from breast cancer, and her maternal aunt suffered from ovarian cancer. Though Sarah’s lifestyle is quite healthy, her moderate alcohol consumption does have a small and more significant risk factor since alcohol has been implicated as a risk factor for breast cancer. Overall, these factors place her at risk of developing breast cancer, and she needs close monitoring and tailored prevention.

Sarah’s Recommendation: 

The screening recommendation for breast cancer Sarah, with the BRCA1 mutation, and substantial family history of breast and ovarian cancers is annual mammograms in combination with regular breast MRIs  (Bharucha et al., 2020). In this case, her predispositions through genetic factors increase her risk factors. Her lifestyle should, therefore be good. General health would be attained if Sarah had a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, reduced alcohol consumption, and maintained regular exercise. She should also talk to her doctor about the other preventive options, such as chemoprevention. Her genetic counseling will help her understand the options that she has so that she can take the best course of action to effectively manage her increased risk of cancer.

Breast Cancer Risks Associated with Lisa:

Several key risks of breast cancer are presented in the case of Lisa. First of all, her family history and her present health profile stand heavily against her. Now at 71, with bladder cancer progressing into the ovaries and lymphatic vessels as well, there goes a long history in step with her vulnerability for such cancers combined with her family background. That is to say that given the history of her sister’s breast cancer and her mother, who died because of lung cancer, that indicates something very serious regarding Lisa. Although the direct relationship between bladder cancer and breast cancer is not well defined, the presence of several cancers in her family history could be an indication that perhaps there is a hereditary influence that may predispose her to breast cancer. Age is another crucial risk factor as the incidence of breast cancer is known to rise rapidly in women over 60 years of age. Therefore, Lisa should be regularly screened for any symptoms suggestive of breast cancer, and genetic counseling may be recommended to get a better perspective of her overall risk profile.

Lisa’s Recommendation:  

Given the complexity of Lisa’s medical history, she should be taken care of in a comprehensive way. She should receive scheduled screenings for breast cancer in the form of mammograms and clinical breast exams to look out for early signs of breast cancer, especially due to her family history. She should also be openly communicating with her oncology team about the treatment plan for bladder cancer so they can coordinate her care accordingly. In addition to this, she has to adapt as much as possible to the nutrition diet, full of antioxidants and having high protein content, to be able to retain her health during treatment, as well as to enhance her strength. Gentle physical activities should be taken where she can tolerate them, to improve general wellbeing and monitor treatment side effects (González et al., 2024). The use of mindfulness, yoga, or counseling will help her emotionally since she is undergoing cancer treatment. Lastly, a discussion of genetic counseling may reveal any genetic risks to her and direct her family on any appropriate screening measures.

Breast Cancer Risks Associated with Jessica

Jessica has multiple interlinked risk factors for developing breast cancer. At age 50, her family history of cancer was significant with a diagnosis of breast cancer in her mother at age 60 years and ovarian cancer in her maternal grandmother. Even though she was BRCA1 and BRCA2 negative, her family history continues to be an essential risk factor (Daniele et al., 2021). In addition, the fact that she had reached an advanced age of menopause, that is at the age of 56 years accompanied by a year’s history of hormone replacement therapy exposure puts her to estrogen and more hours in circulation than probably the average American. As Jessica stopped smoking ten years ago, such early habits may also predispose to this overall profile in a contributory basis to cancer risk. Tiny amounts of drinking made her alcohol exposure at very moderate levels and predisposed her to this type of carcinoma of the breast. Finally, she is well-nourished by all means but lacks fruits and vegetables, which will decrease the normally associated protective effects of a diet rich in nutrients. Altogether, these factors mean that Jessica needs to take proactive steps regarding her breast health, including regular screenings and lifestyle changes that may help her reduce some of her risks.

Jessica Recommendation:  

Jessica is recommended early detection and informed that screening regularly includes mammograms annually, along with annual clinical breast exams. If there is a family history, she may wish to discuss additional imaging modalities, such as breast MRI with her health care provider to improve surveillance. Lifestyle changes are very crucial in reducing her risk; Jessica should take a diet full of fruits and vegetables to enhance the intake of protective nutrients and antioxidants. She should also maintain a healthy weight and engage in regular physical activity, which should be at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise. Limiting alcoholic beverages to not more than one drink in a day can also prevent her condition from deteriorating further. Stress management with yoga, and mindfulness practices should be integrated into Jessica’s lifestyle since it enhances psychological well-being. Lastly, genetic counseling will enable the patient to get an understanding of her genetic risk profile to guide future screening of their family members as well.

Breast Cancer Risks Associated with Emily

Emily is at a very high risk for breast cancer, mainly due to her positive BRCA2 status (Tomasello et al., 2022). This substantially increases her chances of developing breast and ovarian cancers. She does not have a family history of breast cancer among her immediate relatives, though her father had prostate cancer, which is relevant since BRCA mutations increase the risks for a variety of cancers across genders. Her hormonal history makes her risk more complicated with early menstruation at the age of 11 and late menopause at 54, which increases lifetime estrogen exposure. In addition, lifestyle factors in Emily may include low physical activity, moderate alcohol intake, and a diet high in processed foods with limited fresh produce, which may reduce her intake of cancer-preventive nutrients. These measures will point out the necessity to monitor her lifestyle and make appropriate changes to minimize the risk of developing breast cancer.

Emily Recommendation

This entails regular and comprehensive surveillance through annual mammograms, possibly supplemented by breast MRIs provided her physician advises this after a positive BRCA2 report. Genetic counseling will similarly educate her and help appropriate preventive measures be taken, such as surgery or hormonal therapy. Lifestyle modifications are also equivalent; Emily should aim for more physical activity, incorporating at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity in a week for better general health. Replacing alcohol with a diet that’s rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains should help provide antioxidants and essential nutrients that can help lessen the risk of cancer development. In addition, if she cuts her alcohol use to less than one drink per day, this also helps minimize her risk factor. Mindfulness or support groups may provide emotional support with resilience in managing stress to be proactive in her health management.

BIO FPX 1000 Assessment 6 Conclusion

Therefore, women like Sarah, Lisa, Jessica, and Emily have varying risks for breast cancer due to various genetic, lifestyle, and family history factors (Fakhri et al., 2022). With proper screenings, early interventions into lifestyle factors, and health-conscious monitoring of conditions, these risks can be controlled and possibly minimized. Those with genetic predispositions, such as BRCA mutations, receive guidance for targeted screening approaches and can undergo genetic counseling for their personalized approach to preventing cancer. Besides that, a healthy lifestyle through the right eating, exercise, stress management, and appropriate consumption of alcohol contributes to general wellness and resilience in women. Through these combined measures, every woman becomes proactive in decreasing her own risk of developing breast cancer. Thus, such approaches become relevant to the importance of having an individualized preventive care plan.

BIO FPX 1000 Assessment 6 References

Bharucha, P. P., Chiu, K. E., François, F. M., Scott, J. L., Khorjekar, G. R., & Tirada, N. P. (2020). Genetic testing and screening recommendations for patients with hereditary breast cancer. RadioGraphics, 40(4), 913–936. https://doi.org/10.1148/rg.2020190181

Daniele, A., Divella, R., Pilato, B., Tommasi, S., Pasanisi, P., Patruno, M., Digennaro, M., Minoia, C., Dellino, M., Pisconti, S., Casamassima, P., Savino, E., & Paradiso, A. V. (2021). Can harmful lifestyle, obesity, and weight changes increase the risk of breast cancer in BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutation carriers? A Mini review. Hereditary Cancer in Clinical Practice, 19, 45. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13053-021-00199-6

Fakhri, N., Chad, M. A., Lahkim, M., Houari, A., Dehbi, H., Belmouden, A., & El Kadmiri, N. (2022). Risk factors for breast cancer in women: an updated review. Medical Oncology, 39(12). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-022-01804-x