Genetic testing for cancer: issues and ethical implications.

The explosive progress that has been made in cancer genetics in the past few years has given rise to new hope. These promising discoveries have also given rise to considerable uncertainty and debate concerning how this knowledge should be applied and who should have ownership of its products and effects. The medical, psychological, social, legal, and ethical implications of genetic testing for cancer, specifically breast and ovarian cancers, are discussed. The ethical principles of confidentiality, justice, beneficence, and autonomy as they relate to cancer predisposition testing also are explored. Recommendations are made for nursing practice, education, and research.