While only a small proportion of cancers can be attributed to a hereditary susceptibility, identifying high-risk individuals plays an essential role in medical management and has a significant impact on the patient as well as their immediate and extended family members. This paper aims at increasing the medical professionals’ knowledge of the components of a genetic counseling session, with particular attention toward identifying at-risk individuals and understanding the complexities of the testing process. In addition, tools are provided to assist in identifying these individuals in clinical practice and streamlining the referral process to a cancer genetics center.

Keywords:
Qualitative and quantitative risk assessment, Hereditary cancer, Genetic counseling, Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome
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© 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel
2008
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