According to Ferrini, Ghelfi, Mannucci, & Titta, (2015), “Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and its frequency is rising in countries with low and middle incomes. Approximately, one in eight women worldwide will develop breast cancer during her life and breast cancer is the first-leading cause of cancer deaths among women (p. 2). To help reduce mortality rate resulting from advanced and undiagnosed breast cancer, early screening is recommended in high-risk patients. Although beneficial and lifesaving, some ethical, legal and psychosocial dilemma arises when it comes to testing young children. In this particular case study, Mrs. Allen is being treated for breast cancer and is also positive for the BRCA1 mutation. Mrs. Allen is
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The transformation of these proteins result in genetic malformation that can lead to cancer. It is recommended that anyone that have a family members with a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 to be tested since it increases their risk of cancer (National Cancer Institute). In this case, Mrs. Allen has been tested positive for BRCA1 and she is also going into breast cancer treatment. In this situation testing Lindsay will be beneficial and necessary since she is at significant risk of developing breast cancer. My role as a nurse is to be knowledgeable about BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation and be ready to provide necessary information to my patients. Since the child is young I would analyze the situation, consult with the primary health care provider and decide whether or not the child should be informed of the …show more content…
A child mind is not fully develop and some information are not processed correctly. Additionally children go through a lot of changes in their life, these changes can be overwhelming and worrisome. Telling a young child that she/he might be at risk for cancer can be detrimental to their health. The child might become anxious, have low self-esteem and trouble adjusting. Parents are usually worried about their kids welfare. They want to know if their child is going to be healthy Consequently, it is understandable that a parents would want to get their children tested to reassure them or make early step to protect their kids. Healthcare providers have to analyze the situation. The decision should at all cost benefits the child. The providers should avoid any testing that would cause more harm to the children than benefits (1236).
Conclusion
Doing genetic testing in children have a lot of controversies. The providers and family should have as an ultimate goal to protect the child. It all depends on how beneficial or harmful it will be for the child. If the test will save the child, it is usually recommended but, if it causes more harm them good the providers should discourage the test
The transformation of these proteins result in genetic malformation that can lead to cancer. It is recommended that anyone that have a family members with a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 to be tested since it increases their risk of cancer (National Cancer Institute). In this case, Mrs. Allen has been tested positive for BRCA1 and she is also going into breast cancer treatment. In this situation testing Lindsay will be beneficial and necessary since she is at significant risk of developing breast cancer. My role as a nurse is to be knowledgeable about BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation and be ready to provide necessary information to my patients. Since the child is young I would analyze the situation, consult with the primary health care provider and decide whether or not the child should be informed of the …show more content…
A child mind is not fully develop and some information are not processed correctly. Additionally children go through a lot of changes in their life, these changes can be overwhelming and worrisome. Telling a young child that she/he might be at risk for cancer can be detrimental to their health. The child might become anxious, have low self-esteem and trouble adjusting. Parents are usually worried about their kids welfare. They want to know if their child is going to be healthy Consequently, it is understandable that a parents would want to get their children tested to reassure them or make early step to protect their kids. Healthcare providers have to analyze the situation. The decision should at all cost benefits the child. The providers should avoid any testing that would cause more harm to the children than benefits (1236).
Conclusion
Doing genetic testing in children have a lot of controversies. The providers and family should have as an ultimate goal to protect the child. It all depends on how beneficial or harmful it will be for the child. If the test will save the child, it is usually recommended but, if it causes more harm them good the providers should discourage the test