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.