Genetic testing: Impact on Patient Care

As healthcare professionals we know genetic testing for hereditary cancers is more than a simple blood draw. It is a very personal and emotional decision. The results can be lifesaving not just for the patient but their family members as well. While we know genetic testing helps in identifying those who could have a genetic predisposition to cancer, managing and potentially reducing their risk of cancer; one of the biggest struggles surrounding genetic testing is not knowing who and how to screen?

The next step is often marred by the medical community at large. While any provider can order the blood/saliva test, patients often don’t receive adequate genetic counseling to help them grasp the potential emotional, physical and familial impact of genetic testing.  It becomes important to understand how it could impact patients and potentially their families. In addition, interpreting these tests is relatively complex, and genetic testing isn’t just a “yes” or “no” answer. When genetic testing was introduced it was pretty straight forward; BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing. Today we are not limited to just BRCA testing. There are a lot of subtleties, but if you don’t fully understand or how to manage it, that’s a problem!

Through my presentation I’ll illustrate how a simple, “blood test” can impact the life of a patient and their family but also change the face of healthcare, and what medical practitioners should know about genetic testing.