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Family history impacts patient care: how to recognize genetic risk
Hubert H. Humphrey Cancer Center, Robbinsdale, MN
As the number of genetics tests and the demand for genetic services continue to grow, community oncologists will play an increasingly important role in accurately documenting family histories and triaging the appropriate patients into a cancer genetics specialty clinic. Patients with increased cancer risk, by virtue of either family history or the presence of a documented genetic mutation, are often initially identified in the community oncology setting. This is not a scenario reserved for the large academic medical centers. Instead the question becomes: Is genetic predisposition to cancer recognized? It is worthwhile to become well versed in cancer genetics, as genetic counseling assumes a greater part of the patient’s care and cancer treatment plans. As genetic technology continues to advance, it will be important to identify qualified individuals for genetic counseling services in your area and use them. High-risk individuals can be helped by increased surveillance, chemoprevention, and risk-reduction options, which make family history assessment worth the effort.
| Commun Oncol 2005;2:39–44 | full text |  171 kb |