Genetics in cancer prediction, screening, and counseling: Part II, The nurse's role in genetic counseling.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To describe an expanded role for oncology nurses in genetic counseling for cancer.

DATA SOURCES

Published professional articles, computerized data bases, lay publications.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A description of the availability of genetic counseling, of motivation for undergoing genetic counseling, and of the basic components of genetic counseling for cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The need for genetic counseling will increase as more families with inherited cancer are identified, more cancer genes are isolated, and genetic analysis becomes more available.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Advances in genetic technology provide nurses with the opportunity for an expanded role in genetic counseling for cancer. Oncology nurses also can act as case finders of families with inherited cancers and conduct research in this area.