Oncology Nurses' Role in Counseling Patients on Hereditary Cancers

Oncology nurses are important team members when it comes to counseling patients and their families about hereditary cancers, according to Michele Settelmyer, APN, MSN, WHNP-BC, of the Saint Frances Medical Center.

At the 45th Annual Meeting & Cancer Center Business Summit hosted by the Association of Community Cancer Centers, Settelmyer recently discussed an assessment program for patients who are at high risk of developing hereditary cancers. Oncology nurses can play a role by recommending genetic testing, as well as educating themselves and their patients about cancer genetics, and who else should be tested.