[Roles of Cancer Consultation Centers]

"Counseling on Cancer Genomic Medicine" was added to the list of roles of cancer consultation centers located in Designated Cancer Hospitals under on the Third Cancer Control Act established in 2018. Although cancer consultation centers do not make decisions on whether to conduct genetic testing, it has been revealed that a certain number of such consultations are taking place. Consultations on genetic panel testing are expected to further increase in the future. In order to accommodate this need, individual cancer consultation staff needs to provide services based on the principles of consultation and support. For example, they must have adequate knowledge on the characteristics and limitations of genetic panel testing, understand the true needs of patients and their families, enable such individuals to understand the relevant information, and collaborate with patients and their families to consider the course forward. Furthermore, in order to ensure the quality of individual support, physicians and genetic counselors are expected to contribute by participating in organization-building between genetic counselors, genomic medicine coordinators, and other experts in and outside of hospitals. It is also anticipated that networks will be formed with nearby external institutions and organization, such as Designated Core Hospitals for Cancer Genomic Medicine, Designated Core Hospitals, and Medical Cooperation Hospitals.