Final answer:
A nurse should inform a patient with a positive BRCA1 gene mutation that it means an increased risk for certain cancers and the need for enhanced surveillance and possibly preventive measures. Genetic counseling can offer guidance on interpreting the mutation's implications and deciding on appropriate steps for managing health risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should explain that a positive result for a BRCA1 gene mutation means increased cancer surveillance and consideration of preventive measures will be important for her healthcare.
The presence of a BRCA1 mutation indicates a heightened risk for certain cancers, notably breast and ovarian cancer. This information is critical for proactive health management. For individuals with this genetic predisposition, healthcare providers often recommend more frequent and earlier cancer screenings, which can lead to early detection and treatment.
While having the BRCA1 gene mutation does increase cancer risk, it does not guarantee that cancer will develop. It's also crucial to note that not all family members will inherit these mutations, and lifestyle factors also contribute to cancer risk. Genetic counseling can help a patient understand the implications of the test results and discuss potential strategies, like increased surveillance or prophylactic surgeries, to manage the increased cancer risk. This type of forward-looking care can significantly influence outcomes, as early-stage cancers are typically more treatable.
Moreover, the significance of a BRCA1 mutation can also vary based on ethnicity; for example, certain mutations are more common among Ashkenazi Jewish populations.