Alcohol Use and Gene Interaction, Research Paper Example

Introduction

Cancer-based nursing principles convey the importance of understanding the many causes of the disease and the contributing factors that may influence the development of cancer cells in humans. For example, alcohol use may have an impact on the transformation of genes that may cause cancer formation in some cases; as a result, it is necessary to evaluate these principles and to develop strategies that will have a positive and meaningful impact on cancer care for patients. Nursing best practice solutions must demonstrate a greater understanding of the causes of many cancers and the role of alcohol in gene modifications. The concept of tumorigenesis must be better understood from a nursing perspective in order to effectively manage the needs and expectations of patients who have been diagnosed with cancer, as well as the potential cases that may emerge in the future; therefore, nurses must identify theoretical principles that influence this process, such as mutagenesis and epigenetics, among others (Yarbro & Wujcik, 2010, p. 5). These considerations must be evaluated in the context of genetic interactions with alcohol and the development of new approaches to manage the nursing response to these conditions.

Body

The role of alcohol in the formation of cancer is a critical factor in understanding how to address consumption and its influence on patient diagnoses and treatment; for example, alcohol may influence breast cancer formation by interfering with BRCA1, a tumor suppressor gene, thereby creating a greater risk of genetic damage and the cancer itself (McDonald, Goyal, & Terry, 2013, p. 208). Alcohol consumption must be moderate because this may contribute to a reduced risk of cancer formation, including not more than one drink on the average per day and under seven drinks per week (McDonald et.al, 210). In addition, the formation of acetaldehyde (AA) in the metabolism of ethanol may produce complications that contribute to the genetic formation of breast cancer by interfering with DNA synthesis and other processes; therefore, it is necessary to evaluate genetic alterations in the presence of alcohol as an important contributor to higher breast cancer risk (McDonald et.al, 209).

To expand upon breast cancer further, the use of alcohol also contributes to the formation of endogenous estrogen and the process of alcohol deyhydrogenase (ADH)-mediated alcohol oxidation (Scoccianti, Lauby-Secretan, Bello, Chajes, & Romieu, 2014, p. S17). This reflects the importance of understanding the dynamics of alcohol consumption and how it may interfere with genetic processes and the transformation of cells via tumorigenesis (Scoccianti et.al, 2014, p. S17). There must be a greater emphasis on the development of studies to understand these processes more closely and to identify areas where genetic transformation as influenced by alcohol play a role in cancer formation and how these factors also influence the development of best practices in nursing to accommodate these risks for the general population.

In a study by Cao, Willett, Rimm, Stampfer, & Giovannucci (2015), it was determined that there are significant factors related to cancer risk and alcohol consumption, such as cancers of the liver, colorectum, breast, and esophagus, among others. In consideration of key variables such as race, family history of cancer, smoking, and other variables, it was determined that persons who consume higher than moderate levels have an increased risk of cancer, and in particular, those who have family members with cancer (Cao et.al, 2015). From this perspective, it is important to identify the methods by which tumorigenesis develops and what is required to overcome these variables in the context of cancer diagnoses and treatment, as well as education for men and women who face these risks. It is also important to develop an understanding of tumorigenesis as related to alcohol consumption and to share with patients that this process exists and may influence their own risk of cancer, using best practices to share this knowledge effectively with the patient population.

From a nursing perspective, it is necessary to consider the dynamics of alcohol and cancer and to determine the appropriate methods by which they are able to educate patients regarding this relationship and how it influences patients. Most importantly, there must be a greater emphasis on the development of new ideas and approaches to accommodate patient needs effectively. Patients must be educated regarding the use of alcohol and to better understand that it may contribute to genetic modifications and tumor formation in some cases, thereby leading to cancer diagnoses for some patients. This relationship is complex in many ways and requires nurses to be educated themselves regarding these risks, the relationship between cancer formation and alcohol, and what steps might be taken to promote prevention and to reduce this level of risk.  Patients who use alcohol must be provided with the appropriate information regarding the risks associated with moderate to heavy use and how it might contribute to additional disease formation, along with other key variables that influence the manner in which steps are taken to improve outcomes for these patients. Nurses must be able to develop solutions based upon best practices to support a greater understanding of this relationship and how to best overcome these risks through prevention and moderation or elimination of the use of alcohol. Furthermore, nurses must be able to delineate between the risks for males versus females, along with the types of cancers that are likely to be influenced by alcohol consumption and its ability to impact the genetic makeup of cells and the formation of tumors.

The use of prior evidence in developing best practice solutions for cancer care is a critical factor in the development of new methods to support patient needs and to recognize the value of prevention education in advancing healthier outcomes for patients who consume alcohol and have other risk factors related to cancer. The unique perspective that nurses may provide is instrumental and practical for many patients, yet it must be expressed in a manner that is professional and is at the patient’s level, rather than to assume that patients understand the scientific nature of these principles. It is important for nurses to recognize that they must educate patients on their level and provide information in a manner that identifies cancer risks related to alcohol, but that is supportive and understanding of the challenges that patients face with respect to alcohol use. This requires an improved understanding of the genetic evidence that has been generated regarding cancer and alcohol and to translate it into the practice setting in a professional yet sensitive manner. This will encourage nurses to support patient needs more effectively and to determine how to best approach this relationship with the knowledge in hand that is necessary to share the message with patients in the appropriate manner.

Conclusion

The relationship between cancer and alcohol use remains a significant area of research, due in large part to the factors that complicate this process and create difficult challenges for patients; therefore, it is important to identify these risks and for researchers to focus on this process in an effort to produce effective outcomes for patients, while also considering other factors that influence the ability of nurses to support patient health and wellbeing in this regard. This requires an examination of nursing best practices and the overall need to understand the dynamics of nursing care and treatment and how to understand alcohol intake and its impact on health and cancer risk. Nurses must be open to educating their patients regarding the association between alcohol and cancer and provide guidance to patients regarding these risks, along with strategies for prevention that may have a significant impact on human health and wellbeing throughout the life span. These factors will support and enhance a structured environment in which patient care needs are supported by the development of new perspectives as provided by nurses that are grounded in prior evidence and that demonstrate that alcohol consumption and risk are complex and multifaceted in nature.

References

Cao, Y., Willett, W. C., Rimm, E. B., Stampfer, M. J., & Giovannucci, E. L. (2015). Light to moderate intake of alcohol, drinking patterns, and risk of cancer: results from two prospective US cohort studies.

McDonald, J. A., Goyal, A., & Terry, M. B. (2013). Alcohol intake and breast cancer risk: weighing the overall evidence. Current breast cancer reports, 5(3), 208-221.

Scoccianti, C., Lauby-Secretan, B., Bello, P. Y., Chajes, V., & Romieu, I. (2014). Female breast cancer and alcohol consumption: a review of the literature. American journal of preventive medicine, 46(3), S16-S25.

Yarbro, C.H., & Wujcik, D. (2011). Cancer Nursing: Principles and Practice’, Seventh Edition. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.