Cancer risk factors | Nursing homework help
When considering the development of cancer, there are certain individual and familial genetic factors that should be identified. Through genetic testing, providers can gain a better understanding of an individual’s risk for developing cancer, as well as explore any potential inherited predispositions. For example, if a family has had multiple cases of breast or colon cancer in the past then this may indicate the presence of an inherited mutation associated with these types of cancers.
In addition to evaluating genetic information, it is important to also consider lifestyle factors such as smoking status and alcohol consumption which have been linked with various types of cancer. Family medical history can also provide helpful insight into possible cancer risks—for instance if several relatives were diagnosed at a young age or suffered from rare forms then further investigation may be warranted.
By taking all these elements into account providers are able to create more comprehensive care plans tailored specifically towards each patient’s needs while still adhering to evidence based standards established by healthcare professionals. This helps ensure that individuals receive the best possible treatment for their particular situation and allows for earlier detection when necessary which can be critical in preventing serious health complications associated with some types of cancer.