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Abstract

Title: Genetic Cancer Risk Assessment and Counseling: Recommendations of the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
Author: Trepanier A, Ahrens M, McKinnon W, Peters J, Stopfer J, Grumet SC, Manley S, Culver JO, Acton R, Larsen-Haidle J, Correia LA, Bennett R, Pettersen B, Ferlita TD, Costalas JW, Hunt K, Donlon S, Skryznia C, Farrell C, Callis-Daley F, Vockley CW
Journal: J Genet Couns 13(2):83-114
Year: 2004
Month: April

Abstract: The purpose of this document is to present a set of practice recommendations for genetic counselors conveying cancer genetic risk counseling. These recommendations will describe the complexity of the medical, psychosocial, and ethical ramifications of identifying at-risk individuals through cancer risk assessment with or without genetic testing. The guidelines are intended to provide background information about the process of genetic counseling and risk assessment for hereditary cancer rather than to provide information about specific hereditary cancer syndromes. The guideline was developed by cancer genetic counselors who are members of the Practice Issues Subcommittee of the National Society of Genetic Counselor's (NSGC) Cancer Genetic Counseling Special Interest Group. This guideline has been reviewed by additional cancer genetic counselors, members of the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) and the Oncology Nursing Society, consumer groups, NSGC general membership, and the Board of Directors and Genetic Services Committee of the NSGC. The information contained in this document was derived from an extensive review of the current literature on cancer genetic risk assessment and counseling as well as the personal expertise of genetic counselors specializing in cancer genetics.