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Chapter 16: Genetics and Women’s Health

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DOI:

10.1891/9780826190048.0016

Authors

  • Seibert, Diane C.
  • Kostas-Polston, Elizabeth A.

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of some of the important genomic concepts that all nurses should know but places particular emphasis on the intersection between genomics and women’s health. Virtually every disease has a genetic or genomic component and treatment options increasingly involve genetics in disease prevention, screening, diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring. Diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are related to epigenetic influences-the complex interactions among shared genes, behaviors, cultures, and environments that influence health and risk. Advanced practice nurses are positioned to contribute significantly to the genetic and genomic transformation of health care for the purpose of improving clinical outcomes. Health care providers are armed with a variety of tools for evaluating health risk. The family health history (FHH) is one such important screening tool. As a diagnostic tool, the FHH is used to guide medical decisions about genetic testing and disease risk.