Abstract
Parents in families with a hereditary cancer syndrome are often familiar with periodical clinical testing of both themselves and their children. Genetic testing is an additional early diagnostic option that is becoming available for an increasing number of hereditary cancer syndromes. Participants in genetic counseling programs for cancer syndromes are often parents who apply for their children. If a child is identified as a carrier of a specific disease-causing gene mutation, sometimes its parents must decide on when it will be treated: can treatment be postponed until expression of the disease or should the child receive presymptomatic surgery? We discuss some of the possible risks of genetically testing children: distress as a result of ambivalent feelings towards testing, preoccupation with disease-related signs, changes in family interactions, the burdening prospect of a future disease and medicalization of the carrier-child.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
