Modifying cancer risk factors: the gene-environment interaction.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the concept of risk modification in the context of cancer prevention.


METHODS
Published articles and research studies on genetic and environmental factors.


CONCLUSIONS
How the environment is defined frames how the gene-environment interaction is studied and understood. The development of a workable model for risk modification flexible enough to be individualized for a patient is an important step in making primary prevention the goal in cancer care.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses working in cancer care are well placed to advise patients on risk-management strategies, and to increase public awareness of the interdependence of environment and genomics on cancer risk.
Giarelli
Ellen
E
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 420 Guardian Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. giarelli@nursing.upenn.edu
Jacobs
Linda A
LA
D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000451:nursing; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity