Final answer:
A positive result for the 3875del4 mutation implies that the individual has a specific genetic alteration, which often indicates increased cancer risk and necessitates more vigilant screening and preventive measures. Genetic counseling is recommended to fully understand the consequences and management of such a result.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the diagnostic test confirms that the daughter is positive for the 3875del4 mutation, it means that there is a specific genetic alteration within her DNA. This mutation may indicate a susceptibility or higher risk for certain types of cancer, especially if it is associated with cancer-related genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Individuals with such mutations are often advised to undergo more frequent cancer screenings. This is because early detection of cancer can lead to more effective treatment outcomes. Genetic counseling is also recommended to help understand the implications of the test results, as well as to discuss preventive measures and the possibility of inherited risk.
For Rebecca, testing positive for a harmful genetic mutation would mean that she has an increased risk of developing cancer, prompting her doctor to screen her more often and at an earlier age. This proactive approach allows for any cancers to be caught earlier when they are more treatable. The process of genetic diagnosis by testing also helps guide medical care for family members who may have inherited the same mutations.