Genetic Testing for Cancer: Psychological Approaches for Helping Patients and Families.

Abstract

Reviews this book by A. F. Patenaude (see record 2004-18401-000). The ongoing revolution in human genetics continually generates new information on the influence of genetic factors on diseases and health and results in increasing possibilities for genetic testing. This faces individuals and their families with new risks and worries, with new choices and responsibilities and with uncommon stresses and threats to family relationships. It also confronts clinicians and researchers with complex and challenging medical, psychological, social, ethical and legal issues. Patenaude's book focuses on the psychological, social and ethical aspects of cancer genetic testing. The body of the book addresses the psychological issues that individuals and families experience when confronted with familial cancer, genetic counselling and genetic testing. psychologists and other mental health professionals before, during and after genetic counselling and testing is highlighted. Although recent publications are not included, the book is a valuable general guideline for psychologists and other health professionals who want to understand the basics of genetic testing for hereditary cancers and who want to obtain an overview of psychological, social and ethical implications of cancer genetic testing. Although the book focuses on hereditary cancers, it can also be considered as a general framework applicable to understanding and supporting individuals with other genetic diseases. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved).