More than 90% of women who get breast cancer do not have the gene.  Every woman has a 12% chance of getting cancer.

Things you should know to reduce the risk of cancer:

• Diet
  
  • Alcohol increases the risk of cancer, including breast cancer.  A few drinks a week is related to an increased risk.
  • Vegetables and fruits reduce cancer risk.
    
    • Normal metabolism can damage tissues, and this damage is related to an increased risk for cancer.  Vegetables and fruits contain antioxidants that may protect tissues.
    • Antioxidants include:  vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, carotenoids, and phytochemicals.
  • Obesity is related to increased cancer risk, including cancer of the breast among postmenopausal women.
  • Saturated fats may increase cancer risk.
  • Fats containing omega-3 fatty acids may reduce cancer risk.
    
    • Fish (such as salmon) are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Too little folic acid increases risk of cancer, including breast cancer.
   
• Exercise
  
  • Physical activity, weight control, and diet may delay or prevent cancer in people with genetic risk factors.
  • Moderate to vigorous levels of physical activity lowers risk of cancer, including breast cancer.
   
• Life style
  
  • Use of hormone replacement therapy after menopause for more than 5 years increases the risk of breast cancer.
  • Smoking is linked to cancer.  Teenage smoking increases the risk of breast cancer.
   
• Psychological factors
  
  • When genetic testing reveals having the gene, psychological outcomes vary, and sometimes depend on the personality of the person tested.
    
    • Carriers expressed anger and worry.
    • Persons who had cancer reacted with anger, worry, discouragement, and various concerns upon finding that they had positive genetic test results.
    • Persons who underestimated the impact of testing were still distressed six months later.
    • Some persons wanted to join support groups.
    • Some no longer exhibited six months after testing.
  • When genetic testing reveals not having the gene:
    
    • There is psychological relief.
    • False negative results are possible and can lead to complacency.
   
• Medical support includes:  regular mammograms, monthly self examination, and annual gynecological exam.

1.  Would Peter encourage Kathy to get the test?  Why or why not?
2.  What other advice would Peter give Kathy?
3.  How might these decisions affect Kathy cognitively, psychologically, emotionally?