Identifying hereditary cancer: Genetic counseling and cancer risk assessment

The inherent medical, psychosocial, familial, and cost implications of genetic testing for hereditary cancer require a comprehensive approach. The overall goal of genetic counseling for familial cancer susceptibility is to communicate information regarding personal risk of cancer so that individuals and their health care providers can make informed choices regarding predictive genetic testing, management, and surveillance. Identification of individuals at-risk for hereditary cancer syndromes and referral for cancer risk assessment and genetic counseling help to ensure that genetic testing is offered, interpreted, and acted upon in a manner that is clinically appropriate for the individual as well as their family.
Source: Current Problems in Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Source Type: research