Family Communication of Genetic Risk: A Personalized Approach

Abstract
Genetic information is changing the practice of medicine by personalizing prevention and treatment decisions based on the genetic profile of the individual. The impact of personalized genetic-based medicine extends beyond the individual to include the family, where knowledge of a genetic predisposition to a disease condition has implications for individuals, their siblings and offspring, and for the identity of the family itself. The quality of the family communication process is important in assuring accuracy of risk information and in maintaining the cohesion of the family unit. However, there is increasing evidence that the communication of genetic risk information within families is complex, selective, incomplete, and often ineffective. This paper presents an overview of what is known about the strengths and weaknesses of the communication of genetic risk information within families and suggests a framework for both understanding the process of communication and guiding future counseling models.

Source: Current Genetic Medicine Reports - March 25, 2016 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research