Abstract:

Developments in genetics, which have gained an exciting momentum with the completion of the International Human Genome Project, are bringing new roles to nurses and other health professionals as well as new opportunities for healthcare delivery. In line with this progress in genetics, it has become compulsory for oncology nurses in particular to gain genetics and genomic knowledge, which provides a basis for clinical practice, by following the developments. At the point of intersection of genetics and oncology, the first step that nurses should take in the context of healthcare practices is to identify individuals and families at risk for hereditary cancer. Individuals should develop both healthy lifestyle behaviors and risk-reducing behaviors by provided education and counselling regarding personal risk. Oncology nurses should have knowledge and experience in genetics as well as oncology. Having knowledge of hereditary cancers and their inheritance patterns will allow identification of individuals at risk while taking personal/family history and directing individuals who may benefit from genetic services to appropriate units. In addition, genetic testing, testing processes and possible results, education and counseling on genetic risk communication and risk reduction strategies to at-risk family members are important tasks of oncology nurses. In this review, the impact of genetic advances on the roles of oncology nurses is discussed in line with the literature.

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