The growing role for genetic counseling in endocrinology

Abstract

The field of cancer genetics and genetic testing is expanding rapidly. As our understanding of the hereditary nature of endocrine tumors increases, the role of genetic counseling on the multidisciplinary endocrinology team is becoming more critical. This brief review will highlight the role of the certified genetic counselor in this setting. Genetic counseling and testing may aid in the management of the endocrine patient through early diagnosis and detection of disease, by optimizing surgical decision-making and improving overall survival. Certified genetic counselors assist the endocrinology team by eliciting a detailed pedigree, determining the appropriate genetic test to order, obtaining informed consent, interpreting complex genetic test results, providing psychosocial and family counseling, and assessing which family members are at risk. Many endocrine tumors can be caused by a variety of different genes and investment in the genetic counseling process likely increases the chance that the correct genetic test is ordered, results are interpreted accurately, and adequate informed consent and counseling is offered. The field of endocrine genetics is growing exponentially and testing will likely play an even greater role in surveillance, medical management, and surgical decision-making in the next decade. Genetic counseling both pretesting and posttesting is essential to accurate, cost-efficient care for the endocrine patient and the entire family.