Ch. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse Genetics

Sanders - Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach 3rd Edition

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Sanders 3rd Edition

Ch. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse Genetics

Problem C.9d

Chapter 14, Problem C.9d

Go to the website http://www.cancer.gov and select 'Cancer Types' on the top menu bar. Scroll down to 'Breast Cancer' and click. Select 'Cases & Prevention' from the options. Click 'More information' and select 'BRCA Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing'. Use the information on this page to answer the following questions. Are there measures a woman with a positive result can take to lessen her chances of developing cancer or to catch a cancer early in its development?

Verified step by step guidance

This question is about understanding genetic risk factors and preventive measures related to BRCA mutations, which are linked to breast cancer risk.

First, recognize that BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes where certain mutations can significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

Next, explore the information on the specified website section about BRCA mutations, focusing on recommended strategies for women who test positive for these mutations.

Identify the preventive measures mentioned, which may include increased surveillance (such as more frequent mammograms or MRI scans), lifestyle changes, chemoprevention (using medications to reduce risk), and prophylactic surgeries (such as mastectomy or oophorectomy) to reduce cancer risk.

Finally, understand that early detection strategies aim to catch cancer at an early, more treatable stage, while preventive surgeries and medications aim to lower the overall risk of developing cancer.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

BRCA Gene Mutations and Cancer Risk

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that produce proteins responsible for repairing DNA damage. Mutations in these genes can significantly increase a woman's risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. Understanding these mutations helps assess individual cancer risk and guides decisions about prevention and screening.

Preventive Measures for High-Risk Individuals

Women with positive BRCA mutations can take preventive actions such as increased surveillance, chemoprevention, or risk-reducing surgeries like mastectomy or oophorectomy. These measures aim to lower the chance of cancer development or detect it early when treatment is more effective.

Early Detection and Screening Strategies

Early detection involves regular screening methods like mammograms, MRI, and clinical breast exams, especially for high-risk women. These strategies help identify cancer at an early stage, improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.

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Textbook Question

The inheritance of certain mutations of BRCA1 can make it much more likely that a woman will develop breast or ovarian cancer in her lifetime. In addition to inheriting a BRCA1 mutation, what else must happen for a woman to develop breast or ovarian cancer?

Textbook Question

Discuss the advantages (and possible disadvantages) of the different approaches to reverse genetics.

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Textbook Question

Go to the website http://www.cancer.gov and select 'Cancer Types' on the top menu bar. Scroll down to 'Breast Cancer' and click. Select 'Cases & Prevention' from the options. Click 'More information' and select 'BRCA Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing'. Use the information on this page to answer the following questions. With regard to the results of genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, what is meant by a 'positive result'?

Textbook Question

Go to the website http://www.cancer.gov and select 'Cancer Types' on the top menu bar. Scroll down to 'Breast Cancer' and click. Select 'Cases & Prevention' from the options. Click 'More information' and select 'BRCA Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing'. Use the information on this page to answer the following questions. What features of family history increase the likelihood that a woman will have a harmful mutation of BRCA1 or BRCA2?

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Textbook Question

Go to the website http://www.cancer.gov and select 'Cancer Types' on the top menu bar. Scroll down to 'Breast Cancer' and click. Select 'Cases & Prevention' from the options. Click 'More information' and select 'BRCA Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing'. Use the information on this page to answer the following questions. As a special project, instead of selecting 'Breast Cancer' from the list of types of cancer, select another cancer you would like to know more about and produce a short summary of what you find.

Textbook Question

Go to the website http://www.cancer.gov and select 'Cancer Types' on the top menu bar. Scroll down to 'Breast Cancer' and click. Select 'Cases & Prevention' from the options. Click 'More information' and select 'BRCA Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing'. Use the information on this page to answer the following questions. What are the approximate percentage increases in risk of having breast cancer and of having ovarian cancer for women inheriting harmful mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 compared with the risks in the general population?

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