Chronic Diseases

Human Disease and Prevention

PUBH 3100

Week 4 Discussion Scenarios

Scenario 1:

Amy was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy to remove the cancerous tissue. After surgery, her doctor informs her that the operation was a success and then asks her to consider additional therapy options to prevent the reemergence of cancer: radiation, chemotherapy, and additional surgeries. The lab analysis of Amy’s lymph nodes around her breast did not show signs of cancer, and Amy is doubtful that her cancer will return. She points out that additional therapy would be stressful and disruptive, and that she and her family are ready to move on with their lives now that her cancer has been “fixed.”

Scenario 2:

After experiencing fatigue and blurred vision, Lupe’s family brings her to a local physician. Lupe is diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. In addition to prescribing medications, her physician recommends that Lupe lose weight, improve her diet, exercise, and monitor her glucose regularly. Lupe is frustrated by these recommendations and wonders how she will do all of this since she works 10 hours a day and cares for her four children, husband, and 72-year-old mother. Without the help of her oldest child, who is bilingual, it is also hard to understand the physician. She decides to do the best she can, and confides in her friends and sister that it may be “God’s will.”

Scenario 3:

Alex was diagnosed with coronary heart disease after he suffered a mild heart attack and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. His physician explains the factors that contributed to and can worsen his disease, including smoking, eating foods high in fat and cholesterol, and a sedentary lifestyle. His physician also recommends medication for diabetes and high cholesterol. Alex worries that he will not be able to follow his doctor’s advice; he works as a server in a restaurant where he is exposed to smoking and is tempted to eat unhealthy foods. He adds that he cannot afford medication and that family and other time commitments limit his ability to exercise.