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To test or not to test: genetic cancer predisposition testing in paediatric patients with cancer
Sapna Mehta1, Dennis John Kuo2
1Global Health, Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.
Abstract:
Genetic cancer predisposition testing in the paediatric population poses unique ethical dilemmas. Using the hypothetical example of a teenager with cancer with a high probability of having an underlying cancer predisposition syndrome, we discuss the ethical considerations that affect the decision-making process. Because legally these decisions are made by parents, genetic testing in paediatrics can remove a child's autonomy to preserve his or her own 'open future'. However, knowledge of results confirming a predisposition syndrome can potentially be beneficial in modifying treatment and surveillance plans and enabling at-risk family members to obtain cascade testing for themselves. Considering virtue ethics to envision the best characters of the patient, parents and healthcare providers can guide them to the better choice to test or not to test, with the ultimate goal of achieving the best outcome for survival and eudaimonia, human flourishing reliably sought out.
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