Complete Module 4 Teacher Support Materials - NIH Office of ...

Master 4.8 Answer KeyThyroid Cancer and Genetic Testing: Harms and BenefitsComplete the chart below by applying relevant scientific facts about genetic testing and followupmedical care for this type of thyroid cancer.Type of Harmor BenefitHarmsBenefitsPhysical• If Max tested positive and received preventativesurgery, he would need to recoverfrom the surgery. This would likely be a verytemporary harm. However, there is alwaysa small chance of more major complicationsfrom surgery.• There are many types of thyroid cancer, andMax is being tested for the mutation thatcauses just one type. If he tests negative, hemight falsely interpret this to mean that hehas zero lifetime risk of thyroid cancer andmight not be as careful about getting thyroidcheckups and screenings, which could savehis life were he to develop thyroid cancer.• If Max tested positive, he could have followupsurgery that would eliminate hischance of thyroid cancer.• Even if Max didn’t have the preventivesurgery, a positive test result would leadto more screenings and the cancer wouldbe detected earlier.Copyright © 2009 Education Development Center, Inc. Exploring Bioethics.Permission granted for classroom use.Psychological(Emotional)SocialEconomic• If Max tested positive, he might be upsetat first, especially if the testing happensagainst his will.• Max might feel angry about inheritingthis mutation.• Max might feel guilty about not inheritingthis mutation, knowing that others in hisfamily may have inherited it.• If Max tested positive and got the followupsurgery, he would have a thin scar thatmight be embarrassing.• If Max tested positive, others might stigmatizehim for having a mutation that willlead to cancer.• The test is expensive and puts a financialdrain on whoever pays for it.• If Max tested negative, he would feelrelieved and would benefit emotionally.• If Max tested positive, he would beable to take concrete medical action,and by taking this kind of control overhis own life, he might experience anemotional benefit.• Max’s friends and family memberswould greatly benefit from Max’sstaying alive, in terms of social andfamily relationships.• Preventive surgery would probably costless than cancer medications andtreatments (which would probablyinclude surgery).• Max would probably miss less school orwork if he had the preventive surgeryrather than cancer treatment later on.Teacher Support Materials, Module 4TSMPage 4-4