Counseling About Cancer: Strategies for Genetic Counseling

Third edition features the latest findings and evidence–based standards of practice Since the 2001 publication of the highly acclaimed second edition of Counseling About Cancer, the field of cancer genetics has grown tremendously. More hereditary cancer syndromes have been identified, more genetic tests have been developed, and more cancer monitoring methods have been designed. In addition, new discoveries and emerging research in molecular and clinical cancer genetics are pointing to possible breakthroughs in the detection, treatment, and prevention of inherited forms of cancer. Readers can confidently turn to this new third edition for current support in educating clients and their families about cancer risks as well as helping them choose among the latest genetic tests and cancer monitoring methods. Moreover, this comprehensive text helps genetic counselors explain the implications of genetic test results and refer their patients to appropriate health care providers. Designed to serve as a reference to all aspects of genetic cancer counseling, Counseling About Cancer offers: Clinical features of 36 hereditary cancer syndromes, including risks, diagnostic criteria, genetic testing options, and resources for families Tables listing major cancer syndromes by organ type Pedigrees illustrating the features of cancer syndromes and other family issues Case studies demonstrating how counseling strategies discussed in the text are implemented in practice Detailed discussions and examples of sensitive ethical issues in cancer genetic counseling This third edition has been completely revised and updated, making it the ideal resource for cancer genetic counselors who need quick access to the latest findings and evidence–based standards of practice. Readers familiar with the previous edition of Counseling About Cancer will find a wealth of new material, including five new chapters dedicated to breast cancer, colon cancer, other solid tumors, clients and families, and genetic test results and follow–up. Anyone involved in cancer genetic counseling will find that this text not only provides current, comprehensive information, but also explains how to communicate this information as effectively and sensitively as possible.

FOREWORD, XI PREFACE, XIII ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, XV CHAPTER 1: CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY, 1 CHAPTER 2: CANCER DETECTION AND TREATMENT, 23 CHAPTER 3: CANCER BIOLOGY, 47 CHAPTER 4: HEREDITARY CANCER SYNDROMES, 75 CHAPTER 5: ALL ABOUT BREAST CANCER, 151 CHAPTER 6: ALL ABOUT COLORECTAL CANCER, 187 CHAPTER 7: COLLECTING AND INTERPRETING CANCER HISTORIES, 221 CHAPTER 8: CANCER RISK COMMUNICATION, 267 CHAPTER 9: GENETIC TESTING AND COUNSELING, 309 CHAPTER 10: PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF CANCER COUNSELING, 357 CHAPTER 11: ETHICAL ISSUES IN CANCER GENETIC COUNSELING, 409 APPENDIX A: SPECIFIC TUMOR TYPES AND ASSOCIATED SYNDROMES, 445 APPENDIX B: REVIEW OF BASIC PEDIGREE SYMBOLS, 457 INDEX, 459