Identifying individuals at high risk for hereditary cancer is an important public health issue. Genetic counseling and testing can help identify individuals with genetic mutations to help them identify personal and family risks, navigate prevention and early detection of hereditary cancer, and guide individualized treatment options for individuals with hereditary cancer. Health departments can provide information to patients and providers on what hereditary cancer is and the importance of genetic counseling and testing.
Learning Objectives:
Describe hereditary cancer and hereditary cancer syndromes, including how they are inherited and the increased risk of cancer an individual with a hereditary cancer syndrome has.
Define genetic counseling and genetic testing and discuss the benefits and limitations of testing.
Discuss the public health implications, policies, and guidelines surrounding genetic counseling and genetic testing related to hereditary cancer.
Discuss measures health departments can take to raise awareness and reduce the morbidity and mortality of hereditary cancer.
There are many factors related to the prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, and there is developing evidence that nutrition plays a role.
Have you considered ways that local health departments may work with youth sports organizations to improve health? Learn how national public health goals are in line with youth sports participation, ways to consider equitable access to youth sports, and how youth sports organizations can support positive mental and physical health.
