[Psychological dimension of cancer genetics: Doctor-patient communication].
Cancer  is  a disease  that  threatens  life  and body  integrity. A method of  cancer prediction  is genetic  testing, thus the primary detection of individuals who have oncogenes and are at risk of a hereditary cancer. Genetic counseling is the translation of technical information by physicians and the  analysis of the problems subsequent to this information, into the therapeutic relationship. Generally,  the communication between medical staff and patient must follow certain rules. There are two  goals; the physician's comfort when he is dealing with giving news, especially bad news and the  maintenance of patient's hope during making decisions for his health and his life. Communication  skills focus on emotional reaction and empathy towards the patient.
"Sotiria" General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
G I
GI
Moussas
A P
AP
Karkanias
A G
AG
Papadopoulou