Genetics and Genomics

BREAST CANCER IS MY TOPIC

Use a condition/disease listed on this site to complete the genetics and genomics assignment. 

Genetics and Genomics

1. Identify a genetic disease or disorder.
2. Identify all signs and symptoms of this disease or disorder?
3. How is this disease or disorder diagnosed?
4. Identify the most effective treatment for this disease or disorder? Identify any experimental treatments currently available
5. What are the causes or risk factors related to this disease or disorder?
6. Who is most commonly affected by this disease or disorder?

Genetics & Genomics Grading Rubric

1. All answers are provided in APA format with ___/10

complete sentences, title page, and reference page.

This is not a formal paper. However, your answers must include

in-text citations where necessary and referenced on the

reference page.

2. Genetic disease / disorder identified ___/5
3. All signs / symptoms of disease / disorder identified ___/10
4. Current treatments identified ___/5
5. Causes / risk factors identified ___/10
6. Those most commonly affected by the disorder ___/10

Total Points       ___/50

Title: Breast Cancer: A Genetic Perspective

1. Genetic Disease/Disorder Identified: The genetic disease chosen for this assignment is breast cancer, a complex and heterogeneous disease characterized by the abnormal growth of cells in the breast tissue.
2. Signs and Symptoms: Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:
   • A lump in the breast or armpit
   • Changes in breast size or shape
   • Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
   • Changes in nipple appearance (such as inverted nipples)
   • Skin changes on the breast (e.g., redness, dimpling)
   • Breast pain or tenderness (though not always present)
3. Diagnosis: Diagnosis of breast cancer typically involves:
   • Physical examination
   • Mammography
   • Ultrasound
   • Biopsy (to confirm diagnosis and determine the type of breast cancer)
4. Treatment: The most effective treatments for breast cancer depend on various factors, including the stage, type, and individual patient characteristics. Common treatments include:
   • Surgery (e.g., lumpectomy, mastectomy)
   • Radiation therapy
   • Chemotherapy
   • Hormonal therapy
   • Targeted therapy (e.g., HER2-targeted therapy)

   Experimental treatments may include:

   • Immunotherapy
   • Gene therapy
   • Novel targeted therapies being investigated in clinical trials.
5. Causes/Risk Factors: Several factors contribute to the development of breast cancer, including:
   • Genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2)
   • Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
   • Age (risk increases with age)
   • Hormonal factors (e.g., early menstruation, late menopause)
   • Personal history of breast cancer or certain benign breast conditions
   • Lifestyle factors (e.g., alcohol consumption, obesity)
   • Exposure to ionizing radiation
6. Those Most Commonly Affected: Breast cancer can affect individuals of any age, gender, or ethnicity. However, it predominantly affects women, particularly those over the age of 50. Nevertheless, men can also develop breast cancer, albeit at a much lower rate than women. Additionally, individuals with a family history of breast cancer or certain genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2) are at higher risk.