A 22-year-old college student tells his nurse practitioner in the student health center that his mother died of colon cancer at age 32. He asks if this couldhave an impact on his health. What is your best response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Death from colon cancer in early adulthood is a red flag for a genetic predisposition. However, this risk needs to be assessed by a genetics professional, not a general nurse practitioner. Although checking stools for occult blood once yearly is a good idea, it is not sufficient surveillance if this student does have an increased risk for colon cancer. Colon cancer, either the sporadic type or one with a genetic predisposition, affects both genders equally.

A 22-Year-Old College Student Tells His Nurse Practitioner in the Student