open access
The role of genetic counselling in oncology
, 2
Affiliations- Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom
open access
Abstract
All cancers are genetic disorders, but not all genetic disorders are inherited. Most cancers are sporadic, independent events that do not affect other family members. There is a population risk of developing any cancer and it mainly depends on the individual’s age and environmental factors. Cancers linked to predisposition syndromes constitute about 5–10% of all cancer cases. Although it is a small group, making the right diagnosis is important, because of the consequences to the individual, his/her relatives and the benefits they can acquire from surveillance, early therapy and/ or surgical interventions.
Genetic counselling plays an important role in diagnosing cancer predisposition syndromes. Hereditary cancer risk assessment includes evaluation of personal and family history, as well as other medical and environmental risk factors. Indications for genetic testing, scope of tests, possible results and their consequences for the patient and his/her family should be discussed.
Abstract
All cancers are genetic disorders, but not all genetic disorders are inherited. Most cancers are sporadic, independent events that do not affect other family members. There is a population risk of developing any cancer and it mainly depends on the individual’s age and environmental factors. Cancers linked to predisposition syndromes constitute about 5–10% of all cancer cases. Although it is a small group, making the right diagnosis is important, because of the consequences to the individual, his/her relatives and the benefits they can acquire from surveillance, early therapy and/ or surgical interventions.
Genetic counselling plays an important role in diagnosing cancer predisposition syndromes. Hereditary cancer risk assessment includes evaluation of personal and family history, as well as other medical and environmental risk factors. Indications for genetic testing, scope of tests, possible results and their consequences for the patient and his/her family should be discussed.
Keywords
cancer; predisposition; sporadic cancer; hereditary cancer; genetic counselling
About this articleTitle
The role of genetic counselling in oncology
Journal
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology
Issue
Article type
Other materials agreed with the Editors
Pages
207-210
Published online
2022-05-23
Page views
4616
Article views/downloads
510
DOI
Bibliographic record
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology 2022;72(3):207-210.
Keywords
cancer
predisposition
sporadic cancer
hereditary cancer
genetic counselling
Authors
Agnieszka Stembalska
Karolina Pesz
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