Ethical implications of genetic testing of susceptibility to breast cancer

Authors

  • Nedy Maria Branco Cerqueira Neves Universidade Salvador (Unifacs)
  • Camila Silva Boaventura A.C.Camargo Cancer Center
  • Maria Alice Freitas Costa A.C.Camargo Cancer Center
  • Almir Galvão Vieira Bitencourt A.C.Camargo Cancer Center

Abstract

Breast cancer is a public health problem because it is the malignant neoplasm with the highest incidence in women worldwide. The hereditary form corresponds to about 5% to 10% of all cases and is directly related to the inheritance of genetic mutations. The main ones occur in the BRCA1 and
BRCA2 tumor suppressor genes. The identification of these mutations is extremely important because of the high risk of breast cancer development in this population, allowing differentiated screening strategies and the adoption of risk reduction measures. However, reflections on the ethical aspects related to the indiscriminate use of genetic testing are important and necessary. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and opinion of physicians of an oncology reference center on the indication of genetic tests for susceptibility to breast cancer given the ethical dilemmas to which they are submitted in medical practice.

Keywords:

Breast neoplasms. Genetic testing. Genes, BRCA1. Genes, BRCA2. Ethics, medical.
Vol. 30 No. 3 (2022): Revista Bioética 30(3)

Published:

2022-10-18

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How to Cite

1.
Neves NMBC, Boaventura CS, Costa MAF, Bitencourt AGV. Ethical implications of genetic testing of susceptibility to breast cancer. Rev. bioét.(Impr.). [Internet]. 2022 Oct. 18 [cited 2024 May 10];30(3). Available from: http://www.revistabioetica.cfm.org.br/revista_bioetica/article/view/3199