Objectives: To provide a basic overview of genetics, focusing on breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility mutations on BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Data sources: Research and review articles and government internet sites.
Conclusion: The advances in molecular biology has enabled health care providers to be proactive rather than reactive in predicting some cancers and offering prevention strategies to greatly reduce the risk of developing cancer. Our expanding knowledge base of genetics may one day provide tailored treatment, and predict recurrence rates for all cancers.
Implications for nursing practice: The science of genetics will impact every aspect of health care, from primary care to specialized care. Nurses are on the front line and will be expected to recognize patterns of disease that may indicate a possible genetic link, educate the family about the implications of a potential genetic susceptibility and refer the family for counseling. To accomplish this, each nurse should have a minimum basic knowledge of genetics, and formal education for those who educate and counsel.