Intrafamilial Disclosure of Genetic Risk Information for Hereditary Breast Cancer: A Communications Framework?

Black L., Glendon G., Avard D.

(2010) 8:2 GenEdit, 1-6

Abstract:
There is currently little guidance for health professionals regarding intrafamilial communication of genetic risk for hereditary breast cancer caused by a mutation in the BRCA 1 or 2 genes. A number of national laws address risk communication, but virtually none address intrafamilial communication in a meaningful way. Non-governmental bodies have, to various extents, noted or addressed intrafamilial communication, but there is no harmonization. Importantly, basic considerations are not well-developed, including (i) who is the family, (ii) what is genetic information, and (iii) how is the obligation or responsibility to communicate genetic information characterized. If genetic risk information is to be viewed as something more than "indi...