What are the Pitfalls of Ignoring a Patient’s Family History

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What are the Pitfalls of Ignoring a Patient’s Family History?

Hereditary Cancer

6 min read

By Deepti Babu, MS, CGC, Independent GenomeSmart Contributor As the understanding of genes and their impact on disease grows, so do the number and types of available genetic tests. Many of these tests are large multi-gene panels, some even targeted to a disease or phenotype, which gives them a ‘one-size-fits-all’ impression. Since these panels can efficiently and cost-effectively identify a hereditary underlying cause on their own, this begs the question – why bother to collect your patient’s family history information? Is anything gained from taking the time to do this? The short answer is yes, but here is a quick summary of reasons to consider: 1. Family history helps direct the right genetic test to order 2. Patterns in the family medical history may reveal risks beyond those which genetic testing can identify 3. Gathering family history engages patients and builds in space for them to consider genetic testing 4. If genetic testing is completed, family history can inform the next steps,

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particularly in the case of a negative (normal) result.

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