Answer to Question 1
C
Genomics is the study of all a person's genes in interaction with each other, the environment, and many other factors.
A gene is a functional unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring.
Genetics is a term that refers to the study of genes and their role in inheritance.
Inheritance is the way genes and traits are passed from parents to children.
Answer to Question 2
D
The patient and physician can go over the patient's history, family history, and benefits and drawbacks to screening. This also keeps the health care provider in the communication loop with the patient and the results.
The patient could ask the physician about doing yearly colonoscopies, but this invasive procedure carries risks. The best answer would be to inquire about genetic screening.
Although colon cancer does occur more often in older patients, this patient's family history puts him or her in a high-risk group and that needs to be addressed.
Some companies do provide private genetic screening, but this approach can lead to misunderstanding and confusion. It would be better for the patient to have genetic screening guided by the health care professionals who know the patient.