title: The genetic counselor: an important surgical ally in the optimal care of the cancer patient.
abstract: Genetic counselors and surgeons both have important roles in the care of patients with hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes. Surgeons have the initial responsibility to identify and refer high-risk patients. Genetic counselors' specialized skill sets are then used in the risk assessment and genetic evaluation of such patients and their at-risk family members, and this may be performed in multiple settings. As discussed in this article, these roles and the processes of genetic counseling and genetic testing may be enhanced through multiple surgeon and genetic counselor collaborations. Continued medical management of patients and families with hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes becomes the responsibility of patients and their multiple health care providers. Box 7 provides a list of resources to assist in finding a local genetic counselor. Because there are various opportunities for surgeons and genetic counselors to collaborate, the authors urge surgeons to recognize the importance of, identify, and work in partnership with a local genetic counselor because that relationship sets the stage for optimal care of the cancer patient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, Box 295, New York, NY 10065, USA.
authors.forename: Erin E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Salo-Mullen
authors.forename: Jose G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Guillem
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000601:surgery*; D003123:Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D009386:Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D018570:Risk Assessment