Genetic testing reveals that a client has a heterozygous mutation in a gene related to cancer development. The client is 60 years old and has not developed cancer. How should the nurse interpret this situation?

Question

1. The client will likely develop cancer if he or she lives long enough.
2. The mutation was not strong enough to increase cancer risk.
3. A second, random mutation has not occurred.
4. The client will likely remain cancer free.

Answer 1

3
Rationale 1: There is no indication that cancer development is inevitable.
Rationale 2: There is no determination of strength or weakness in the mutation.
Rationale 3: As the client has not yet developed cancer, it is likely that a second mutation, making the allele homozygous, is necessary. These second mutations occur randomly.
Rationale 4: The risk of developing cancer increases as the client ages. This client already has a heterozygous allele, and chances of a second mutation are greater the longer the client lives. There is no assurance the client will remain cancer free.