title: Genetic counseling for hereditary breast and gynecologic cancer syndromes at a community hospital.
abstract: Genetic screening and testing has been shown to be medically and emotionally beneficial for patients with a personal history or strong family history of breast, ovarian, and/or colorectal cancer. Gynecologic oncologists increasingly utilize genetic screening to modify their care and treatment plans of patients and their offspring based on inherited susceptibility to cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) developed specific criteria that consider the medical, psychosocial, and ethical ramifications of genetic counseling of high-risk individuals. Genetic counseling and screening, along with early intervention, is of benefit to women with family histories suggestive of harboring breast cancer antigen (BRCA) mutations. The Western Connecticut Health Network (WCHN) Hereditary Cancer and Genetic Counseling Program provides a comprehensive cancer risk assessment and offers genetic screening as appropriate. This report describes trends in patient referrals, intake, results of genetic testing, and an expansion of services in a community-based genetic counseling program.
authors.forename: Karina M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Haber
authors.forename: Brandon-Luke L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Seagle
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Drew
authors.forename: Shannon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morrill-Cornelius
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Samuelson
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hostmeyer
authors.forename: Shohreh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shahabi
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D003237:Connecticut; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000639:trends; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006764:Hospitals, Community / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D018570:Risk Assessment