Genogram Family Tree Analysis

Genogram Family Tree Analysis

List the cause of death illnesses shown.

- The cause of death illness for Elizabeth (maternal grandmother, 61) was breast cancer.

- The cause of death illness for John (maternal grandfather, 56) was lung cancer.

- The cause of death illness for Marguerite (paternal grandmother, 91) was breast cancer, the effects of which were exacerbated by the occurrence of a heart attack.

- The cause of death illness for Louis (paternal grandfather, 73) was lung cancer.

- The cause of death illness for Mary (mother, 65) was kidney disease, the effects of which were exacerbated by high blood pressure.

The cause of death illness for Wayne (father, 60) was congestive heart failure (CHF), which occurred in conjunction with a host of other illnesses including pneumocystis pneumonia, kidney disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

List the uncontrollable and controllable risk factors for each of these. Be specific.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors for Lung Cancer:

The presence of lung cancer throughout a genogram family tree indicates an increased genetic predisposition to the disease, as family history and genetics are uncontrollable risk factors that cannot be reduced or removed. Other uncontrollable risk factors for lung cancer include advanced age, sex, and exposure to airborne pollutants and contaminants like asbestos.

Controllable Risk Factors for Lung Cancer:

In order to reduce one's risk of developing lung cancer there are a number of controllable risk factors that can be identified and mitigated. Abstaining from the known carcinogens contained in tobacco products, either through cigarettes, cigars, chew, or secondhand smoke, is perhaps the most recognized method available for controlling the risk factors associated with lung cancer (Khan, et al., 2010).

Uncontrollable Risk Factors for Breast Cancer:

- A woman's age, sex, family history, genetics, and endogenous exposure to estrogen are all known to cause a predisposition to the development of breast cancer, and each of these risk factors is considered to be uncontrollable (Silverman, et al., 2001). Considering that the genogram shows both my maternal and paternal grandmother died after battling breast cancer, the genetic and family history risk factors are an obvious concern.

Controllable Risk Factors for Breast Cancer:

Unlike lung cancer, which can be attributed to several external and environmental sources, breast cancer has not been conclusively linked to controllable activities like smoking, poor dietary habits, or lack of exercise (Silverman, et al., 2001). However, the advent of regular breast cancer screenings, mammograms, and self-examinations has made the lack of early detection a decidedly controllable risk factor.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors for Congestive Heart Failure and Heart Attack:

The onset of advanced age and a family history of congestive heart failure and other heart disease are among the most common uncontrollable risk factors signaling that a heart attack is likely to occur. While heart attacks are most common in males, females who have reached the post-menopausal stage are at an increased risk of suffering a heart attack.

Controllable Risk Factors for Congestive Heart Failure and Heart Attack:

Maintaining a healthy overall lifestyle is crucial to controlling the other risk factors associated with heart attacks. By avoiding tobacco, exercising regularly, monitoring cholesterol levels, and abstaining from greasy or fatty foods, those with a genetic predisposition to heart attacks can significantly reduce their overall risk.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors for Kidney Disease:

In adults, the presence of hypertension and/or diabetes is considered to be an uncontrollable risk factor for the onset of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and as with other chronic conditions the presence of genetic markers and family history are likely indicators (2010).

Controllable Risk Factors for Kidney Disease:

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), obesity is one of the leading precursors to CKD, and this controllable risk factor can be mitigated by maintaining a proper diet and active lifestyle (2010). Reducing cholesterol intake and monitoring blood pressure are also viable ways to mitigate the effects of controllable risk factors.

3.) Identify the personal risk for illness or death as low, moderate or high. Explain this rating by comparing it to someone who is slightly overweight but eats well and is modularly active in comparison to the risk factors that have been identified.