Establishment of Genetic Counseling Office in Municipal Hospital and Efforts for Surveillance of High-risk Patients

- Consideration about the Significance of Genetic Medicine in Familial Tumors Pursued in Municipal Hospital -

Abstract

Genetic counseling for familial tumors has rapidly spread in Japan recently. However most of the institutions providing genetic counseling are tertiary hospitals in the region, such as university hospitals. We have established genetic counseling office in a municipal hospital and started surveillance for high-risk patients since April, 2014. 10 clients have been referred to our office for genetic counseling, and 7 clients had genetic tests. Of the 7 patients, 3 patients were diagnosed as breast cancer, and underwent genetic testing to determine the surgical procedure （3/7, 43%）. This percentage suggests that results of genetic testing influence decision making for treatment of breast cancer greatly. At the same time, we established “Outward for high-risk patients” and continue psychological support and surveillance for mutation carriers and their relatives. We have to make efforts to establish counseling system and networks, to make genetic counseling more accessible to patients with hereditary tumors, so that patients can receive appropriate medical care.