In familial carcinogenesis, the cancer in Mrs. Henderson's case is likely due to what?

In familial carcinogenesis, the cancer in Mrs. Henderson's case is likely due to what?

• A. The presence of oncogenes
• B. Environmental factors
• C. Absence of specific genes
• D. Dietary influences

Answer: (C)

In the context of familial carcinogenesis, the presence of inherited genetic mutations plays a crucial role in the development of cancer. When considering the option related to the "absence of specific genes," this refers to the loss or inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, which are critical for regulating cell growth and preventing tumor formation. In familial cases of cancer, certain genetic predispositions can lead to these tumor suppressor genes being nonfunctional or absent, increasing the risk of malignant transformation. For example, mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are well-known genetic alterations that significantly heighten the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. These genes normally help repair DNA damage, and when they are mutated, cells may accumulate additional genetic changes that can lead to uncontrolled cell growth. Therefore, the absence of these specific genes or their normal function is a primary driver in familial carcinogenesis, as it compromises the body's ability to regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis, ultimately leading to cancer. Understanding this mechanism is essential for breast care nurses and others in the field to inform patients about their risk factors, screening recommendations, and potential preventative strategies based on their family history and genetic background.

In the context of familial carcinogenesis, the presence of inherited genetic mutations plays a crucial role in the development of cancer. When considering the option related to the "absence of specific genes," this refers to the loss or inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, which are critical for regulating cell growth and preventing tumor formation. In familial cases of cancer, certain genetic predispositions can lead to these tumor suppressor genes being nonfunctional or absent, increasing the risk of malignant transformation.

For example, mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are well-known genetic alterations that significantly heighten the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. These genes normally help repair DNA damage, and when they are mutated, cells may accumulate additional genetic changes that can lead to uncontrolled cell growth. Therefore, the absence of these specific genes or their normal function is a primary driver in familial carcinogenesis, as it compromises the body's ability to regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis, ultimately leading to cancer.

Understanding this mechanism is essential for breast care nurses and others in the field to inform patients about their risk factors, screening recommendations, and potential preventative strategies based on their family history and genetic background.