Onkológia 2/2015

Genetic counseling as part of genetic analysis

Up to 10% of cancers are caused by inherited mutations in single genes. The process of genetic counselling and genetic testing allows for identification of these high-risk individuals and their at risk family members and enrolment into appropriate preventive protocols. The medical impact of genetic testing is evidenced by reduced morbidity and mortality, however, the impact on a personal or psychosocial level has been more difficult to evaluate. The work provides a comprehensive view of the importance of genetic counseling in the care of families with a genetic predisposition to neoplastic disease. We highlight the importance of the counselling before the genetic analysis and the phase after the testing with the transmission of the result to the person.

Keywords: genetic counselling, genetic analysis.