A germline genetic cause to a cancer diagnosis can bring mixed emotions. Whilst this may provide meaning to causation and possible additional treatment options, it will also implicate family risk. Predictive genetic testing becomes available for relatives. As most cancer genes are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, this means first-degree relatives have a 50% chance of inheriting the cancer. This knowledge can cause anxiety and challenge communication in a family. In families with communication or geographical barriers, the burden of responsibility can exacerbate anxiety, often at a time when a patient undergoing treatment is already overwhelmed. Anxiety can manifest from guilt related to genetic transmission risk, but also for estranged or adopted relatives with lost or avoidant contact.
In this presentation, vignettes will be presented discussing the varied impact of anxiety related to communicating inherited disease risk. Strategies will be discussed from Australian studies to facilitate communication in a family with consideration to family and cultural beliefs. Given the significant burden of cancer to the individual and community, it is important to understand any barriers and enable communication in these families with genetic risk. This will empower individuals to understand risk management as a minimum and aid decision-making for their own predictive genetic test.