What is the relationship between genetic variants and cancer risk?

Certain genetic variants are indeed linked to an increased susceptibility to cancer, which is why this response is the most accurate. These genetic variants can influence how an individual's body responds to certain stressors or the efficiency of cellular repair mechanisms. For example, variants in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 are well-studied and are known to significantly elevate the risk of breast and ovarian cancers among carriers.

In contrast, not all variants are harmless; some can lead to health issues while others may be neutral, but it is recognized that certain variants specifically increase cancer risk. Environmental factors do play a crucial role in cancer development, but they do not fully account for individual differences in cancer susceptibility, highlighting the importance of genetic factors. Lastly, the assertion that variants have no impact on health is misleading, as many genetic variants contribute to various health conditions, including cancers, and understanding this relationship is vital in nursing practice, particularly in genetic counseling and patient education.