Krista Qualmann, MS, CGC, Memorial Hermann Mischer Neuroscience Institute at the Texas Medical Center and UTHealth, discusses hereditary cancer syndromes.

About 5% to 10% of cancers are caused by single-gene disorders. These hereditary cancer syndromes are most well-known for causing cancers such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. They can also have a hand in colon cancer, brain tumors and melanoma.

Videos

Krista Qualmann discusses hereditary cancer syndromes. 

Krista Qualmann on Genetic Counseling and Testing for Patients with Cancer

Krista Qualmann, MS, CGC, Memorial Hermann Mischer Neuroscience Institute at the Texas Medical Center and UTHealth, explains what a genetic counselor does when meeting with a patient.

The genetic counselor will take a detailed medical history of the patient and of the patient's family, including an occurrences of benign legions. The counseling includes patient education. A genetic counselor will explain why they are or are not concerned about certain syndromes and how these hereditary syndromes run in families.

Krista Qualmann explains what a meeting with a genetic counselor will look like for a patient.

Krista Qualmann on Referring Patients to Genetic Counseling

Krista Qualmann, MS, CGC, Memorial Hermann Mischer Neuroscience Institute at the Texas Medical Center and UTHealth, discusses the important role the oncology nurse plays once a patient has undergone genetic testing.

If a patient is found to have a hereditary cancer syndrome, the next diagnostic steps are important. The oncology nurse ensures that all the referrals and appointments are made and attended. For example, if a patient is found to have a hereditary cancer syndrome that puts them at higher risk for breast cancer, the oncology nurse sets up the screenings that would come next.

Krista Qualmann discusses the nurse's role once a patient has gone for genetic testing.

Krista Qualmann, MS, CGC

Articles

Krista Qualmann on Genetic Counseling and Testing for Patients with Cancer

Krista Qualmann on Referring Patients to Genetic Counseling

Krista Qualmann on the Nurse's Role After Genetic Testing