Genetic Cancer Risk Assessment

ObjectivesTo describe critical elements of cancer risk assessment as identified through professional standards.Data SourcesProfessional guidelines, policy statements, and other published literature.ConclusionThe continually increasing integration of genetics/genomics into oncology care mandates that oncology nurses be familiar with the cancer risk assessment process, complexities, and implications for personalized risk reduction and early detection recommendations and for cancer treatment, including targeted therapies.Implications for Nursing PracticeInformed nurses can identify genetic cancer risk factors, educate patients about cancer risk and risk management/treatment strategies, and refer appropriate patients to a cancer genetics nurse or other genetics professional for comprehensive risk assessment.