Question

In some cases, people who test positive for genetic testing can receive preventive treatments. For example, people who test positive for the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 can have a preventive mastectomy (breast removal surgery) before they develop the disease. In other cases, no preventive treatments are available, but frequent monitoring can help detect a disease earlier, when it’s more easily treated.

What ethical or professional concerns does a health-care professional need to address when he or she has a patient who wants to prematurely treat a genetic disease? Do you think genetic testing should be part of normal preventive healthcare? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Several medical options are available for managing breast and ovarian cancer risk in women who have BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, but who have not yet had breast or ovarian cancer themselves. These options have risks and benefits, and you should discuss them with a doctor knowledgeable about medical management for women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.