title: A principle-based approach to ethical issues in predictive genetic testing for breast cancer.
abstract: Genetic breast cancer susceptibility testing presents ethical challenges for healthcare providers and their patients. The familial aspects of genetic information, recognition of DNA as a shared history and present common thread for all people and widespread misunderstandings of genetic tests all contribute to these challenges. In this article an ethical framework internationally developed as a charter for medical professionalism is used to guide approaches to ethical dilemmas of breast cancer genetic testing. Specifically, three ethical principles are explored as they relate to testing: primacy of patient, patient autonomy, and social justice. Approaching breast cancer genetic testing from this framework could help to ensure thoughtful and ethical practices in this rapidly evolving field.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Genetics, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0033, USA. jquillin@mcvh-vcu.edu
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Quillin
authors.forename: Laurie J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Lyckholm
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D024522:Genes, BRCA2; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000941:ethics*; D006801:Humans; D012935:Social Justice