Genetics as a tool to improve cancer outcomes: ethics and policy

There are now many genetic tests that provide information about cancer risk. How should clinicians and policy makers ensure that the clinical uses of these tests maximize benefit and minimize harm? Genetic research is rapidly increasing the opportunities for the detection of inherited cancer risk. Clinicians and policy makers must ensure the adequate evaluation of the benefits and harms of this new area of practice, address the challenges of family-based detection of individuals at risk and develop practice guidelines and educational strategies that are responsive to rapidly changing knowledge. When the benefits of testing are well established, efforts must also be made to ensure access to genetic services for all who can benefit.