Towards Digital Cancer Genetic Counseling

Early cancer diagnoses, combined with treatment, enhance survival and cure rates. In Jordan, more than 20% of breast cancer patients present with advance stage disease, where cure rates are low and cost of treatment is increased. Cancer diagnosis requires both clinical and psychological counseling for compliance and successful treatment. Referrals for cancer genetic counseling should be offered for individuals with hereditary or familial cancer history. During counseling, high-risk patients undergo a designated risk assessment and management processes through reviewing their prospective risks, and the undertaking risk reduction strategies such as regular screening with the designated treatment that is geared towards reducing morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, the patient who is educated in the genetic counseling process, is a key a partner in the decision making process while being psychologically supported. Advancement in technology is reshaping the way we practice medicine, and genetic counseling is no exception. Herein, we present our genetic counseling experience for Breast and Ovarian cancers as the main genetic counseling function at King Hussein cancer Center, and discuss the potential role of technology in making this practice more efficient and robust.