Exploring cancer genetics and care of the family: an evolving challenge for palliative care.

Alison Kate Lillie

Journal: International journal of palliative nursing 2006;12(2):70-4

PMID: 16603995

Abstract

There is a growing scientific understanding and increasing public awareness of the influence of genetics on the development of cancer. This article, which is based on a review of the literature, focuses on how the awareness of genetic predisposition to cancer is affecting patients and their families. It highlights the way that risk assessment for predisposition to cancer can conflict with traditional models of informed consent and can cause concern for families. It suggests that there is need for informed discussion within palliative care about how best to support families with concerns about a family history of cancer.

Address: School of Health Sciences, 52 Pritchatt's Road, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK. [email protected]

DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2006.12.2.20533

Link outs

Free resources

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/palliativecare.html

Subscription / membership required

Full Text Sources:

https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/10.12968/ijpn...

MeSH Terms: Family, Family Nursing, Genetic Counseling, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Genetic Testing, Humans, Informed Consent, Life Style, Mutation, Neoplasms, Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care, Referral and Consultation, Risk Assessment, Risk Factors, Social Support