Genetic Counseling for Cancer: Technology Promises Better Screening for Hereditary Cancer Patients

Approximately 100,000 cases of cancer in the U.S. each year are due to inherited genetic conditions. Scores of hereditary cancer syndromes have been described, associated with nearly every cancer type, and prevention measures have proven to decrease cancer risk. With the advent of new technology, increasingly complex genetic testing options exist. Specially trained genetic counselors coordinate the identification, testing, education and care of patients with hereditary cancer risks. Thus, genetic counselors are at the forefront of the integration of new technology into medical care for hereditary cancer patients. New methods test many more genes, faster and more affordably but with the potential challenges of uninformative or undesired information. Additionally, algorithms using these tests will revolutionize the screening of large numbers of people for hereditary cancer syndromes. Genetic counselors are prepared to offer a broad range of testing schemas as well as provide education regarding the impact of the results for providers, patients and families.