Genetic counseling among minority populations in the era of precision medicine.

Abstract

Precision medicine includes the use of genetic variation to determine the prevention, pathology, management, and treatment of disease, which has the potential to significantly change the practice of healthcare. As such, its success depends on (a) having reliable information about the effects of genetic variation on disease processes; and (b) the patient's understanding of their own genetic makeup such that they can use that information to affect their lifestyle and diet. Given the history of low engagement of under-represented minority populations in both clinical genetic services and genetic research, both of these aspects will be challenged and must be addressed before the benefits of precision medicine will be fully realized. Reflecting on lessons learned in the field of cancer genetic counseling, we present key issues to consider as we look forward to providing genetic counseling to minority communities in the context of precision medicine.