Genetic counseling for hereditary cancer
1Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.)
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Genetic counseling for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) now uses gene discovery for precise risk assessment. This advances beyond family history, offering clearer cancer destiny insights for patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- Traditionally, HNPCC diagnosis relied on extensive family cancer history and pedigree analysis.
- Physicians estimated a 50% gene inheritance risk for direct lineage patients with affected relatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of current genetic counseling approaches for cancer.
- To use hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) as a prototype for illustrating advancements in genetic counseling.
Main Methods:
- Review of current genetic counseling practices in oncology.
- Focus on the impact of newly discovered HNPCC genes (hMSH2, hMLH1, hPMS1, hPMS2) on risk assessment.
Main Results:
- Discovery of specific HNPCC genes allows for more precise determination of individual cancer risk.
- Genetic testing offers a significant improvement over traditional family history-based risk assessment.
Conclusions:
- New DNA findings necessitate updated guidelines for genetic counseling regarding HNPCC.
- Counselors must ensure patient consent and awareness of potential discrimination and psychological impacts.
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